Claims for cash are flooding in (From Barry And District News)

Claims for cash are flooding in

BARRY Roundtable and the News' massive £5,000 'Fix-it' Campaign may only be a couple of weeks old but already the applications are flooding in.

We have received forms from a wide section of the community - individuals with special needs, sports teams, pensioners' clubs and even toddlers groups.

One of the first applications was from Barry Comprehensive School's gymnastics team.

They have already proven themselves to be top of the class in their home country but now they are out to go one better.

Led by teacher Emma Thompson, they will soon be heading off to the World Gymnastrada in Portugal where they will be the only Welsh contingent to represent Great Britain at the event.

Emma told the News: "The gymnastics team have made considerable progress over the past three years from a small group who were participating at local competitions to a large squad who have travelled considerably all over the county for large national and regional festivals.

"Last year both the junior and senior teams became the first in our school's history to qualify for Wales at the British Floor and Vault Championships."

Both teams took home silver medals, along with a further nine titles, going on to claim the Army Shield as Schools Sports Team of the Year.

The trip to Portugal is going to be extremely expensive for all involved.

There will be ten boys from the school competing and three teachers in the group.

To prepare for the event, they need to take part in six preliminary events and require extra training at alternative venues. This will cost around £11,000.

Emma added: "We are looking for any help people can give us.

The boys face losing out on displaying their talents in front of international crowds if we cannot find the finances."

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