17th World Gymnaestrada

Gymnasts from Sherburn Community Gymnastics Club’s Display Team represented their Club at the 17^th World Gymnaestrada in Amsterdam.  44 of us which included gymnasts, coaches and a couple of parents travelled to Amsterdam to show the World what we can do.  The team partnered up with Spartac, an inclusive disability group from Edgehill near Liverpool.

We performed our hearts out and received standing ovations at every performance as well as tears from the audience and the organising officials.  At Sherburn we pride ourselves on inclusivity and do not believe that anyone should be segregated due to age, health or medical conditions.

The routine we performed showcased our Club’s gymnasts followed by Spartac’s gymnasts and the finale was both Clubs joining together for a 3 minute routine, with balances moves and dance.  Something that has never been seen in the world of gymnastics before!  Needless to say; although the Clubs were friends before the World Gymnaestrada – we are now life long friends.

Our gymnasts have made friends with some amazing people from across the other side of county.  Their gymnasts mainly have down’s syndrome, however not one of our gymnasts saw their condition they just saw them as gymnasts and friends.

Myself, our coaches and our parents are so proud of each and everyone of the gymnasts and how they have evolved.  As a perfect topping on our ‘Gymnaestrada Cake’ our coach Stephanie Alderson was chosen out of 886 Great Britain gymnasts to be the flag bearer for Great Britain, an immense opportunity and acknowledgement of her achievements.

Roll on 2027 when we have already agreed to partner Spartac again on the 18^th world Gymnaestrada in Portugal!!