Sam Goodchild, a teacher based at Branas Hidelow, was awarded a Community Grant of £1,000 to help raise funds for the Halo Sparks Gymnastics club, where he also works as a gymnastics teacher. The funds will be used to raise the foam pit and ensure the safety of the young gymnasts. A number of children from Branas Hidelow also use the facilities at the club.
A key aim of the facility is to encourage self-belief, increase a sense of belonging and encourage better personal control. There is a clear link between gymnastics and reducing signs of depression. This facility will seek to enhance this and provide the gymnasts with a club, where they can participate in sport whilst also benefitting from a greater sense of well-being. The facility is thriving and currently supports almost 600 young gymnasts.
Below Sam outlines why receiving the funds meant so much to him: –
“I was thrilled, the money helped us to reach our fundraising total so that we could install the new gymnastics pits. These pits have improved safety for the gymnasts and given them the confidence to try new skills. Most importantly however, the gymnasts are having an amazing time using them. Everyone at Halo Sparks is extremely grateful for the support.”
Sam Goodchild
“The smiles on the children’s faces makes all the hard work and fundraising worth it. They are growing in confidence as a result and we can already see the improvement in their skills!”
Zoe, Head coach
“The pit makes me feel happy, because it is fun. I’m excited when I go into it because I can be safe”
Nancy – age 7
Jonathan Freeman MBE, CEO, CareTech Foundation said:
“We are delighted to be able to support the Halo Sparks Gymnastics Club. It is fantastic that the funds are being used to make the pits safer for young gymnasts. And it is wonderful to hear the club is also being used by children from Branas Hidelow. The difference the support has made to the young gymnasts’ mental health and well-being is also an added bonus.”