Teenage gymnasts launch fundraiser to secure Locks Heath club’s future

A GROUP of teenage gymnasts have launched a campaign to raise money to help acquire a new training building to secure the long-term future of their club.
Lara Davis (left), 17, along with sister, Jessica Davis, 19Lara Davis (left), 17, along with sister, Jessica Davis, 19
Lara Davis (left), 17, along with sister, Jessica Davis, 19

The Eclipse Gymnastics Community Interest Club in Locks Heath had been using three local school halls but due to restrictions imposed as a result of the coronavirus pandemic they will not be able to do so ‘until at least January’.

The situation has been compounded by a loss of income with no gymnastic events or fundraisers taking place since March and a loss of subscriptions.

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Gymnasts at the Eclipse Gymnastics Community Interest Club practise one of their routines.Gymnasts at the Eclipse Gymnastics Community Interest Club practise one of their routines.
Gymnasts at the Eclipse Gymnastics Community Interest Club practise one of their routines.
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Club gymnast and junior coach, Lara Davis, 17, said: ‘We decided to set up the fundraiser to give something back to the club for all they’ve done for us. To be able to build or rent a suitable premises would allow us to get back training and make a huge difference to everyone’s progression.

‘It has been difficult to keep up my fitness during lockdown but I’ve also missed the social side of seeing everyone - we are like a close family.’

Lara and some of her fellow gymnasts set up a GoFundMe page to raise an initial target of £5,000 to ‘hopefully use as a deposit’ on a suitable training facility for the 300 children and youngsters who make up the club.

The clubs founder and Lara’s mother, Lesley Davis, 50, said she was ‘moved to tears’ when she heard what the club members had done as it showed ‘how much they valued the club’.

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As a Community Interest Club (CIC), Eclipse hope any premises can also be used for other youth initiatives such as dance and karate clubs.

The gymnastics club would also like to further develop its facilities to cater for the needs of children with disabilities.

One of the key issues is finding a venue of suitable size.

‘We need at least six metres of room height to practise some of the acrobatic gymnastics,’ said Lara.

The club has so far raised £806 towards their target.

‘The club does so much to support young people in our community and any donations will be a massive help,’ added Lara.

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