Club's on a roll after grant award (From Barry And District News)

Club's on a roll after grant award

BARRY Rhythmic Gymnastics Club have been awarded an £8,000 sports grant to help improve their facilities.

Lucy Eveleigh, one of the club coaches, said: "The Sports Council of Wales awarded us the grant, which we are very grateful for. This will help us a great deal and will benefit gymnastics in our area. We also have a Welsh Gymnastics Squad and the facilities provided from the grant will help improve their skills for competitions."

Lucy added: "I set up the club with the other two coaches three years ago, and from there it has grown."

With the grant, they plan to buy a £5,000 rhythmic gymnastics carpet, and they will also spend money on helping the coaches train for further qualifications.

Fellow coach Allison Helm said: "The mats we have at the moment are not really big enough for the gymnasts to practise on, because they are not the same size as the competition carpets.

"When it comes to the competitions, the gymnasts will be penalised for not using the entire space on the carpet."

Club member Jace Hughs, aged 12, said: "I really enjoy coming to the club. It has helped improve the strength of my legs and my flexibility and the new carpet will help improve my skills further."

* Barry Rhythmic Gymnastics Club runs a beginners class every Friday at the Holm View Leisure Centre, at £3 a session. Contact Lucy Eveleigh 07817 554474.