Last month, the British Gymnastics Association and its accompanying foundation joined nearly 400 organisations as members of the Sport for Development Coalition. This is part of its renewed vision for sport in the UK to deliver uplifting gymnastic experiences for all.
Andy Dodd, Communications & Engagement Director at British Gymnastics, commented on the need for safe, positive experiences for everyone.
“Our new vision is all about putting positive experiences at the heart of everything we do, and ensuring gymnastics is enjoyable, safe, and open to everyone. As part of that, we are committed to being relentless in pursuit of inclusion and accessibility in gymnastics and ensuring that the amazing benefits of gymnastics are widely recognised and reach as far as possible.”
This comes as the British Gymnastics chair, Mike Darcey, called for an independent safeguarding body across all sports. The aim would be to show that athlete welfare is as important as medalling. This comes amidst the bullying crisis that engulfed the organisation with the landmark Whyte Review detailing “systemic” issues and “emotional abuse”.
However, Mike Darcey argued that British Gymnastics was making “good progress” but admitted there were challenges.
To find out more about the coalition, see here.
