City gym club jumping for joy after fundraising drive
A CARDIFF gymnastics club is doing cartwheels after members marked its 101th anniversary by raising thousands of pounds.
More than 35 gymnasts aged between four and 15 have spent the past month marking the anniversary of Cardiff Central Youth Club (CCYC) near Splott.
They’ve been taking part in a 101 Challenge, doing one of 101 suggested activities during the month, including 101 daily sit-ups, cartwheels and holding a handstand for 101 minutes.
The club smashed its fundraising target and raised £4,500.
The efforts were led by coaches running the various squads in the gym. One of those is Leah Lloyd, volunteer boys’ coach, whose two young sons, Noah and Jacob, compete and train with the club.
Leah said: “Back in March the gym had to close due to the risk of coronavirus. It’s only just been able to reopen and so we’ve missed out on six months of vital support and funding. CCYC was founded in 1919 and we had grand plans for celebrating our 101 years of providing sporting, health and wellbeing activities for the residents of Cardiff, but sadly these had to be put on hold due to the pandemic.
“Our young gymnasts were keen to give back to the club and took on this challenge with such passion to help ensure the club and the sport they love can continue.”
Leah was supported by her husband Andrew, whose employer, Wales & West Utilities, donated £300 as part of its commitment to support its colleagues’ volunteering and charitable efforts. The money will now go towards purchasing new landing mats for the gym.
Wales & West Utilities people and engagement director Sarah Hopkins added: “We wish CCYC and their young, budding gymnasts the best of luck for the future.”