Gymnastics Northern Ireland 2011

 

Information

 

GMPD stands for Gymnastics and Movement for People with a Disability. It involves the coach adapting skills to enable people with a disability are able to take part in gymnastic activities.

 

Historically people with a learning disability had access to gymnastics through the Special Olympics Movement, however, there was no similar provision for those with physical or sensory disabilities.  As a result GMPD was set up to develop and provide training and competitive opportunities for people with any disability. Initially this was started using existing Special Olympic Routines but quickly changed to come into line with the mainstream disciplines within British Gymnastics.

 

A National Development Plan and Voluntary Competition structure was introduced in Men's and Women's Artistic, Acrobatics and Rhythmic gymnastics, both follow the mainstream format with appropriate modifications.

 

The natural progression from National Competition is onto an International stage. As British Gymnastics was leading the world in the development of the sport it decided to host the first International Disabilities Gymnastics Competition in Belfast in 2000. This was combined with a Symposium and workshop, sharing the work already done. A second International was held, again in Belfast, in 2003.

 

There are national squads in Rhythmic and Men's Women's Artistic Gymnastics and plans are well underway to develop squads in Trampolining and Aerobics.

 

All of the disciplines within GNI have a role in the promotion and inclusion of people with disabilities. Whether accommodated within mainstream clubs or in specialised centres, it is every club and coach's responsibility to provide an appropriate level of training for all individuals in their care. To this end, all coaches are strongly urged to undertake the British Gymnastics Disabilities Add-On Module which is facilitated through GNI.  Gymnastics Northern Ireland support British Gymnastics’ vision which is for every mainstream competition to include a disabilities element, from grassroots club competitions right through to National British Championships.

 

GMPD Technical Committee 2012

 

Chair:                                Hazel Coates                       hazel_coates@yahoo.co.uk

 

Secretary:                         Roy Surplus                        admin@northernirelandgymnastics.org

 

Treasurer:                         Margaret Kiepuszewska                       

 

Squad Convenor:              Una O’Brien               

 

Coach Convenor:               Vacant

 

Judge Convenor:               Elaine Bailie                        ebailie@yahoo.co.uk

 

Events:                              Ray Morrison                     admin@northernirelandgymnastics.org