Group set for top award
An Irvine gymnastics club that began its life in a small garage is in the running for a sportscotland Local Club of the Year 2016.
Head coach Amanda Boucher who has recently represented Great Britain at a European Training Camp in Italy said: “At Irvine Bay Gymnastics Club we are always looking for new ways to get people to engage in gymnastics so we work with local businesses on adult classes, with other sports clubs in mutual working and with colleges to get shared working on education.
“We work with schools, health boards, community groups and businesses, social enterprises, disability groups and care homes on how we can help each other benefit from the business of sport.
“All of these collaborations lends a new element to the huge range of opportunities available to members of IBGC.
“This has led to an increase in numbers participating, an increase in satellite venues and increase in the numbers of coaches and volunteers.
“We have worked with clubs and authorities from Dumfries to Shetland and everywhere in between to increase gymnastics participation.
“Everyone at Irvine Bay works hard every day to make sure that the club is a positive, nurturing environment so that everyone can achieve their own goals and realise their own potential.”
Irvine Bay Gymnastics Club, based in the town’s Quarry Road has committed coaches who are dedicated to investing time into the young people and adults who want to develop their skills.
Amanda went on: “Not everyone can go to the Olympics but everyone can take part, love what they do and take lessons in what they experience in gymnastics in to the real world and become better people.
“Irvine Bay Gymnastics Club is about creating opportunities.
“These could be opportunities to compete, to participate, to learn, to get qualifications, to coach, to have a job, to volunteer, to try something new, to achieve a goal, to make friends, to get fit, to win a medal or visit new places: to succeed.”
Stewart Harris, chief executive of sportscotland, said: “Sports clubs play a key role in delivering sporting opportunities within communities and helping aspiring young participants and athletes develop and learn.
“These local organisations underpin Scotland’s world class sporting system and I am delighted to see East Kilbride FC nominated for the Local Club of the Year Award.
“The way they support local causes is a great example to other community clubs across Scotland.”
The 10th annual Scottish Sports Awards will be held at the Glasgow City Hotel on Thursday, December 1 with a host of sporting stars attending.