Downpatrick gymnasts get green light to train.
Gymnasts from Downpatrick, and hundreds of thousands of gymnasts across the UK, who have been unable to train in their usual setting since March, are delighted to be back in the gym having been given the green light to return.
Ascendance School of Gymnastics were one of the first clubs to close their doors back in March, taking the decision to do so before official measures were put in place as their community were becoming quite fearful of the impact of Covid-19.
The club had to adapt their training during lockdown, tasking their gymnasts with fun social challenges to keep them engaged. They reopened their doors at the end of last month and are absolutely thrilled to be back in the gym.
Neil Kennedy, Director, said: “It has been absolutely fantastic being back and having our members in the gym again.
“Some of the children were quite apprehensive at first but that’s only natural, particularly for those who haven’t seen anyone for nearly four months.
“We’ve put a number of safety measures in place to allow for increased hygiene, social distancing and limited numbers in the gym. However, the content of the sessions hasn’t changed too much and the children are loving being back with their friends.
“We’ve been using all of the resources and guidance from British Gymnastics, which has been super helpful, and I very much feel we’ve hit the ground running with our return to the sport.”
British Gymnastics President Helen Phillips MBE added: “The hard work of all the staff and coaches at Ascendance School of Gymnastics is superb to see and it is great news that they are safely welcoming their gymnasts back to the sport that they love.
“Many young gymnasts have missed their friends and clubmates terribly over the past four months and will be overjoyed to be going back to their local club.
“All across the country, so many clubs have done amazing work to get ready to reopen in a Covid-secure environment.
“It’s time to get back to gymnastics, renew friendships and get active. Gymnastics is community sport and our clubs are at the heart of it.”
