Rippin revved for new challenges

To read the story about Niamh on the British Gymnastics website, click the link above

Photo: Matt Barnard

There cannot be many events where the youngest budding athlete can perform alongside their world class colleagues, but that was exactly what was in evidence at Sunday's 2012 Notts Gymnastics Academy Christmas Display.

The audience in the packed gym at the Rushcliffe Leisure Centre saw elite gymnasts and the some of the youngest developing talent.  Notts gymnasts Niamh Rippin, fresh from competing at the 2012 Glasgow World Cup, and Ellie Downie, junior GB team member, demonstrated their impressive vaulting skills and floor routines, whilst the youngest members of this thriving club got the chance to show their potential.  The mens artistic sense of fun shone through as the elite men performed wearing tutu's and the cheerleaders energetic and acro's precision routines wowed the crowd.

This is of course typical of the environment in which the young gymnasts train, where they able to learn from, support and encourage each other, and aspire to represent their country at what they love to do.

Head Coach of the Academy, Claire Starkey reflected, "I am very pleased the day came together so well, for over 15 years I have planned Christmas displays but non as big as this. I was worried that we might be taking on too much, but the parents, helpers and gymnasts were amazing. Everybody pulled together, everybody supported each other and I'm so excited about the future of Notts Academy, this is the start of a new chapter of harmony."

Mark Shardlow with daughter Immie

"Many thanks for making us so welcome yesterday.  We thought it was a terrific display.  Really impressive all round. 

Best wishes to everyone involved for Christmas and the New Year."

Mark Shardlow, BBC East Midlands

Girls E2 Display

Margaret Frogson and husband David

"Thank you for inviting David and myself to your display. We were very impressed by the standard of the performance and thoroughly enjoyed our afternoon. The homemade cakes were fantastic! Happy Christmas to you all."

Margaret Frogson, Windblowers/Kidsophonic

Men's hilarious tutu display

Nicola & Andrew Pennill

"The spirit of cooperation between gymnasts, their families and coaches was very much in evidence.  Clearly this is a thriving club which is producing some of the best young gymnasts in the country.  What was also clear from Sunday's fantastic and varied display is that there are many young gymnasts coming through the club, and the recipe for success is set to continue."

Nicola Pennill, Nottingham Symphonic Wind Orchestra, Chair

Ellie Downie on floor

Notts Gymnastics Academy also welcomed the Mayor of Rushcliffe and his wife, who thoroughly enjoyed show, along with head teacher from Rushcliffe school Mr. Phil Crompton, pictured with Notts gymnast and student Nicole Pavier and travelling from Birmingham, Megan Parker's primary school teacher. Graeme Myring also attended with his wife, as a member of the Academy Board. Mike Pierrepont and his wife from Woo Clothing also attended.

Raffle Prize Winners

The photos will be available until 31/1/13

CHRISTMAS DISPLAY GROUPS

This isn't the running order, for information only

Amended 1.30pm Wed 5th Dec ^

For tickets click here

A lovely interview with Ellie Downie by The Couch Gymnast.

Interview with Ellie Downie

This collection is open to the whole Academy as we are trying to raise funds for new equipment for all. Take your bags to the storeroom upstairs next to the office during office hours. It will be locked at all other times.

Bring in all your unwanted clothes, bags, shoes, books, DVD's, video's, bed linen, curtains, the heavier the bags the better. Please name label all bags to give yourself a chance to win rewards.

Thank you for help

The Academy