Revealed: Our new Welsh Gymnastics Ambassadors

Back in March we announced we were looking for young inspirational individuals to become new Gymnastics Ambassadors.

The WG Gymnastics Ambassador Programme aims to recognise and support the committed young people in our gymnastics community whilst giving them a voice; we want to listen to our ambassadors, hear their thoughts and opinions on their sport and act upon them.

Our Ambassadors will be the voice that inspires the future of gymnastics in Wales. As part of the programme they will have access to training opportunities, get to hear from experts within the sporting world and become part of a network of like-minded young people across Wales.

The programme has been devised by Welsh Gymnastics’ workforce development coordinator, Rachel Horwood.

And we are delighted to now be able to reveal and introduce our new Gymnastics Ambassadors, in their own words…

CHLOE WALL

I’m Chloe, I recently turned 15 years old and I’ve been tumbling for six years and doing gymnastics for 11 years. As well as being in the Tumble Squad at my local gym club, for the last four years I have been part of the Welsh Tumbling Development Squad, something I am proud of achieving and training with such fantastic tumblers from across Wales. 

I have competed in many competitions, in Wales and in England – competing for me is such a great experience to build confidence, support each other and make new friends. Alongside competing, I also enjoy volunteering at competitions held by Welsh Gymnastics and at my club, Planet Gymnastics in Cardiff.

I am excited to be joining this programme and am honoured to have been chosen and to have my voice heard, to raise ideas and to work with a fantastic team of peers who all share my love for the sport.

I would like to focus on the younger gymnasts by giving them a bigger opportunity to understand what options there are within gymnastics, the pathway they are on, the process involved and to help them achieve their goals and dreams in gymnastics.

ELLA PAYNE

My name is Ella and I am a gymnast and young leader from Planet Sport and Community.

I am very passionate about gymnastics and I enjoy helping other people. I would like to focus on the mental health of young people and mental training in gymnastics. I am very excited for this opportunity to be a part of the future of Welsh Gymnastics for young people.

HARRISON HARRIS

My name is Harrison Harris. I’ve participated in gymnastics for nine years now on a competitive level.

When I first heard about the new ambassador programme starting up I did not hesitate to apply, as I feel I have the knowledge and experience help shape the future direction of the sport in Wales.

KIKI DAVIES

Hi I’m Kiki, I’m 15 and I’ve been training at Wrexham Gymnastics Club for nine years.

I’ve been helping coach for nearly three years and I’m preparing to do my level one coaching course later this year.

I’m really looking forward to being part of this program because I will get to meet new people, develop new skills and be a voice for other young gymnasts in Wales.

I’m interested in helping gymnasts from all backgrounds have equal access to all opportunities.

KYRA LIDDINGTON

Hi, I’m Kyra and I’m 15 years old. I am really passionate and enthusiastic about all things gymnastics!

I love my gym family at Fusion Gymnastics Wales and am so excited and grateful to have been chosen as a Welsh Gymnastics ambassador! I can’t wait to meet the other ambassadors and I hope to make our sport grow and encourage everyone to participate no matter age or ability.

MAISY WILCOCKS

Shwmae, fy enw i yw Maisy!

Hello, my name is Maisy and I am 15 years old from rural Mid Wales. I am a member of Llandrindod Dragons and Maldwyn Dragons gym clubs.

Joining this programme was an exciting opportunity that I just could not pass as I am passionate about the development of gymnastics in Wales and now I have the chance to be part of this.

I would love to focus on enhancing opportunities for both elite and recreational gymnasts in rural areas.

Diolch!

Steering Group support members

ALICE CORDEN

Hi guys! I’m Alice, coach, judge and uni gymnast! I’ve been involved in the sport of gymnastics for 14 years and am grateful to be a part of the ambassador programme steering group!

I’d like to get as many people involved in the sport as possible and give everyone the opportunity to develop within all disciplines of gymnastics.

ADELE BEVAN

I’m currently a Level 2 Gymnastics Coach for Pembrokeshire Special Needs Gymnastics Club and a Platinum Ambassador for Sport Pembrokeshire.

I used to compete in Gymnastics until the age of 20. I then decided to move onto coaching which I am really enjoying, seeing the gymnasts get so much enjoyment from the sport they love makes it so worthwhile.

What I’d like to focus on in the Welsh Gymnastics Ambassador scheme is that everyone gets their voices heard, and to support the ambassadors with their learning throughout the scheme.