Gymnastics team nominated for Best of South Tyneside award

South Tyneside Gymnastics club have been nominated for a Sporting Team of the Year award, honouring their success in the field.

This year, The Best of South Tyneside Awards have a headline sponsor in Siemens and are being held in association with The Customs House – with Port of Tyne, BT South Tyneside, Barbour, David Gray Solicitors, South Tyneside Homes, UK Asbestos and Harlow Print as category sponsors.

The club, run by Debbie and Ian Said, has more than 100 gymnasts who train for more than 20 hours a week.

The nomination comes off the back of their recent success at the world championships in China, which saw a trio of gymnasts from the club somersault to the top of the podium in the world championships.

Kristie Harrington, 18, Sofie Lincoln, 14, and Gabriel Evans, 13, brought home the gold after impressing judges in the Women’s Trio (13-19 age group). Erin Mattinson, Lauren Emmerson and Lucy Atkinson were also placed sixth place at the Senior World Championships.

On the nomination Ian Said, coach and director of the club said: “It has come a surprise, but I put it down to the hard work and effort of the gymnasts. It is nice for them to have recognition for what they do. They can get overlooked despite the fact they are competing on a world level.

“They train in excess of 20 hours a week on top of their commitments such as 
GCSEs. I’d be really proud if they won and it is great to know that the borough recognises what they do and values their achievements.”

During the competition the trio shared the top spot with their Russian counterparts at the World Championships in Putian City, China.

The club offers training in gymnastics, trampolining and freestyle activity FreeG, as well as hosting parent and toddler groups, pilates, yoga and boot camp fitness.