Swansea boost for grassroots gymnastics

Gymnastics courses for children have been arranged in Swansea to cater for the sport's soaring popularity.

Sessions aimed at introducing four to 11-year-olds to gymnastics will start this week at several Active Swansea community leisure centres across the city.

Gymnastics is fast becoming one of the most popular sports in the UK with an estimated four million people taking part on a regular basis.

It's hoped the new courses in Swansea will give children more opportunities than ever to access expertise in the sport.

Swansea Council is behind the move.

Gymnastics co-ordinator Louise Cawte said: "Gymnastics not only gives participants a huge amount of pleasure but it also encourages self-confidence and develops motivated, fit and happy people.

"Participation in gymnastics enhances body awareness, strength, flexibility, control and co-ordination that can also be drawn upon during other physical activities and sports in every day life.

"These courses are a great way to introduce children to the joys of gymnastics and to help them develop."

The courses are being run in different age group categories in the Active Swansea sports centres at Bishopston, Cefn Hengoed, Morriston, Pentrehafod, Penlan and Penyrheol.

A disability gymnastics course is also being made available at Bishopston and trampoline courses for children aged nine and above are in the pipeline for the near future.

Have a look at www.activeswansea.com for more information or call Louise on 01792 635174.