DISABILITY GYMNASTICS
Valleys Gymnastics Academy has achieved Insport Gold accreditation (one of only 11 sports clubs across Wales). This mean that the club’s structures, policies and programmes have been recognised as fully inclusive by Disability Sport Wales. The club is “innovative and inclusive … with a clear club ethos which ensures to support its members and community overall. VGA are an excellent example of inclusive gymnastics which should be shared with other clubs within gymnastics and the community (DSW, 2019).” VGA has also been awarded a Diversity and Inclusion Award by British Gymnastics at both the 2020 and 2021 Awards.
Our disability gymnastics programme ensures that gymnastics is adapted to meet the needs of each and every gymnast. Through the delivery of a range of opportunities, VGA ensures that activities can be tailored to suit an individual’s needs. The club has a breadth of provision on offer – offering a disability specific session in the first instance, but coaches will always individually assess what the child needs and interests are to determine the best session for them. The club has a full competitive pathway in place for those who have the ambition to compete, with gymnasts regularly competing in in-house, regional and national events. The club has also been represented at the Special Olympics UK and World Games in the last few years.
From fundamental movement activity to elite gymnastics skills, disability gymnastics has something exciting, fun and engaging for all everyone to enjoy; it is also widely recognised as providing many physical and social benefits for participants, such as developing increased coordination skills and building confidence.
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Our regular children and young people’s drop-in disability sessions (SEN and Sibling) runs from VGA Crumlin on a Sunday from 2.15-3.15pm and From St Tydfils Gymnastics Wednesday 4-5pm. There is no need to book for these classes. However, if you are coming along for the first time we would recommend ringing ahead to check availability (01495 248070). Both sessions are parent / carer and child sessions so we do ask parents / carers to work with their child (to the level needed) so that the most can be gained from the session. The coaches will advise on how much involvement is required. Friends and siblings are also welcome to come along and join in the session. When working with you and your child we will discuss their needs with you and identify the most suitable session(s) for them. Our General Gymnastics and Artistic programmes at VGA are fully inclusive so we have a wide range of opportunities available to children and young people who have a disability or additional needs. Please can we ask that if your child has Down’s Syndrome, that you access the following pack and gain medical clearance before attending for a session: https://www.british-gymnastics.org/technical-information/discipline-updates/disabilities/11985-atlanto-axial-instability-information-pack-2021/file
University of South Wales Film students have recently produced a short film featuring some of our Disability Squad gymnasts - this will give you an insight into some of the opportunities we have on offer at VGA:
