Willow-Rae, Rita, Abdulraheem, Rafik, Zanaki, Pierre and Ameena from Oasis Academy Woodview started gymnastics in September 2022, and have since been attending a weekly lunchtime gymnastics club with the school’s sports coach Miss Brown. These pupils have shown real dedication to improving their gymnastics skills since qualifying for the National Finals by winning silver medals in the West Midlands regional event, held in Shrewsbury, of Milano Team competition.
The top two teams in each age group represent their region in the British School Gymnastics Association National Finals. Oasis Academy Woodview were joined by Coppice Primary School in both Under 11 Boys and Under 11 Mixed Sections.
With the scores from both schools being combined, Oasis Academy Woodview helped to put the West Midlands region on the podium in silver medal position in the boys section. The two girl’s teams are added to the two boy’s and the two mixed teams to establish the winning region overall, and the West Midlands filled the podium in bronze position.
A huge feat for the young gymnasts from Woodview who had only been introduced to gymnastics six months ago. This is testament to their enthusiasm, dedication, and determination to achieve their best. These children are only 8 and 9-years-old, in Years 3 & 4, they still have at least two years in this age group which bodes well for their future success.
Joseph Broadfield, Principal of Oasis Academy Woodview said: “"We are immensely proud of our school's achievement in reaching the British Schools Gymnastics Association National Finals. This is a significant accomplishment for our students, and it's especially gratifying to see that children from inner-city areas have this opportunity to showcase their talents and compete at a national level.
“It's a testament to their hard work and dedication, and they have demonstrated that they are just as capable as any other student in the country, including those who are members of gymnastics clubs. We were thrilled to see so many parents and carers come out to support our team. We could not have accomplished this without the commitment and dedication of our sports coach, Miss Brown, who has worked tirelessly with our students. We are grateful for her leadership and her passion for gymnastics, and we know that this is just the beginning for our students."
Milano Pro Sport generously provided the participating pupils with leotards, and Gogna Schoolwear made the tracksuits for the pupils at short notice. They were delivered the day before the competition despite the snow.
Vicki Sly, West Midlands Chair, BSGA National Competitions Organiser and Vice-Chair said: “I could not believe the progress that the Oasis Academy Woodview teams had made, since I was first introduced to them in February at the West Midlands Regional Championships to when I saw their performances this weekend at the British Finals.
“With Carol Brown’s enthusiasm and the experience of Mary Small, a gymnastics judge and coach of many years, assisting with the coaching between qualifying and competing on the National stage, the gymnasts had been transformed. The whole school got behind these young gymnasts during training and indeed with the support shown this weekend in the audience.”
“Coach Carol and her team of gymnasts have a huge mountain to climb before them, as gymnasts emulate their superiors and learn by example, her present team are the guiding light for all future success in her school. And I have no doubt that she will achieve all her goals in this school. Huge congratulations to such a young, novice team who have begun to realise their dreams."