Stunning successes for Deeside and Wrexham at Welsh Gymnastics National Awards

Deeside Gymnastics Academy were among the big winners on a night of celebration for Welsh Gymnastics.

After a three-year hiatus, the Welsh Gymnastics’ National Awards made their long-awaited return with a formal dinner at the Vale Resort, Hensol.

For the first time since January 2020, it gave the governing body the opportunity to recognise and celebrate the achievements of gymnasts and outstanding contributions of clubs and individuals to gymnastics in Wales – from January 2020 to December 2022.

They were also able to toast the passion, dedication and commitment of all those who have contributed to the sport and the wider community in so many different ways.

Deeside were named Club of the Year and received their award from Sport Wales CEO Brian Davies.

The club’s world was turned upside down at the start of the pandemic when they had to move out of their leisure centre home, which was repurposed as a Covid Nightingale hospital, at short notice.

Despite being left without a home and anxiously facing an uncertain future, the club still went above and beyond, putting on online training six days a week for all gymnasts, as well as other regular fun online events for gymnasts and their families.

In the meantime, Deeside’s coaches and directors pulled together to raise funds to secure a new home and, in June 2021, moved into their new facility – which has had a massive positive impact in the local community.

Other winners on the night included Paul Edwards from Olympus Gymnastics Club in Wrexham landing the Performance Coach of the Year award.

The evening also gave Welsh Gymnastics the opportunity to formally recognise some of those people who went above and beyond for the gymnastics community during the Covid-19 lockdowns – in the shape of a Lockdown Heroes award.

The panel were unable to pick a winner from the four nominees so it was decided that Lauren Jones (Ruthin & Denbigh), Leah Whiffin (Cardiff Central Youth Club), Sharon Evans (Carmarthenshire School of Gymnastics) and Neath Afan Gymnastics Club would all be joint winners.

There was also a chance to look back to last summer and recognise the 13 gymnasts, along with the coaches and support staff, who represented Team Wales at Birmingham 2022 with three of them, Lauryn Carpenter, Poppy-Grace Stickler and Jacob Edwards then getting up on stage to re-live some of those memories.

Poppy is cousin to Marc Wilson, a well-known footballer on Ynys Môn, mainly through his involvement with CPD Y Fali. Most of Marc’s family live in Cardiff, including Poppy.

OVERALL LIST OF WINNERS

Lockdown Heroes: Lauren Jones (Ruthin & Denbigh), Leah Whiffin (Cardiff Central), Sharon Evans (Carmarthenshire School of Gymnastics) and Neath Afan Gymnastics Club.
Gym For All: St Tydfils
Community Coach: Gareth Slocombe (YMCA Barry)
Young Leader: Harrison Harris (Valleys Gymnastics Academy)
Unsung Hero: Kathy Jefferies (Welsh Schools)
Emerging Talent: Ruby Evans (Clwb Cymru Caerdydd)
Performance Coach of the Year: Paul Edwards (Olympus Gymnastics Club)
Club of the Year: Deeside Gymnastics Academy
Gymnast of the Year: Gemma Frizelle (Llanelli Rhythmic Academy)
Special Recognition: Dr Lisa Gannon