Council supports bid to raise gymnastics bar for Island Games

An ambitious project by the Orkney Gymnastics Club (OGC) to overhaul its equipment to the tune of £156k ahead of the 2025 Islands Games in Orkney has secured the support of the islands Council.

At today’s meeting of the Orkney Islands Council Community Development Fund (CDF) sub committee, Councillors unanimously backed an application by the OGC for 50% of project costs, up to a maximum of £78k, towards bringing key gymnastic equipment up to international competition standards - including spring-based training and competition floor, vaulting equipment, asymmetric bars, beam and matting.

Following the meeting, Chair of the CDF and Convener of the council, Graham Bevan, said: “The OGC has grown from 23 members in 2004 to over 300 today – with a waiting list of over 200 children.

“They also work with the wider community, from helping athletes improve movement, to providing mobility sessions for older people.

“This is a mature organisation with huge potential for growth and a track record when it comes the performance of local gymnasts at regional and national competition.

“They have a clear dedication to supporting young people and the wider community optimise their movement and mobility, so we are delighted to support this application.

“We have also backed this application due to the very encouraging messages which have been coming from sportscotland with regards to the club’s application for the other 50% of the equipment costs.

“We hope today’s decision proves to be the springboard the club needs to secure a full funding package, and look forward with anticipation to seeing the project go ahead.”