Local leisure centre scoops national gymnastics award
British Gymnastics announced that the Sands Centre, Carlisle, has been crowned Delivery Partner Venue of the Year in the 2025 British Gymnastic Awards following a record-breaking number of entries.
This coveted award recognises delivery partners that demonstrate a significant commitment to creating exceptional and engaging gymnastics programmes and the Sands Centre was singled out for delivering uplifting gymnastics experiences. It was also commended for championing inclusivity by providing more opportunities for those in under-represented groups to take part in and enjoy the sport.
Following the reopening of the Sands Centre, which is managed by GLL - the charitable social enterprise that operates leisure facilities under the Better brand – in November 2022, the Rise Gymnastics programme was introduced that same month and has experienced remarkable growth. With 51 participants in the first year, the programme now serves almost 260 young people aged from 18-months to 11-years on its Discover, Explore and Excel sessions. The Sands Centre also runs classes for adults who are keen to rediscover a former hobby or try something new.
During 2024, the leisure centre committed to making further improvements and enhancements, investing in new state of the art equipment and staff training. This culminated in the launch of a programme for local schools, which saw over 700 pupils enjoy gymnastic classes last year, and the introduction of six new sessions which will run weekly from January.
In addition to Rise Gymnastics, the Sands Centre also runs the popular Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme during the Easter, Summer and Christmas holidays. HAF provides healthy meals, enriching activities and free childcare places to children in receipt of free school meals to support their health, wellbeing and learning. Gymnastics sessions will also run each Tuesday and Thursday during the February half term.
Commenting on the award win, James McGarry – General Manager at the Sands Centre - said: “We are absolutely thrilled and honoured to have been presented with this prestigious award. It's humbling to receive recognition for our efforts in promoting supportive, inclusive, and aspirational opportunities within the gymnastics arena. It's fantastic to see that our initiatives, especially the Rise Gymnastics programme, are making a meaningful impact. We are immensely proud of our team's dedication and hard work and are grateful for the support offered by British Gymnastics in helping us reach new and diverse groups within our community.”
The judging panel was chaired by British Gymnastics’ Community Engagement Manager, Natalie Laws and included Danny Melling from UK Active and British Gymnastics’ Jess Pearce, Partner Relationships Manager and Dave Marshall, Community Director.
The judges said: “It is great that we have an opportunity to recognise the great work our leisure and school partners are doing to help grow the sport and deliver safe and fun activities. They play an important role in helping to increase capacity and reach new and often underrepresented groups to be able to take part in gymnastics. They are embracing Rise Gymnastics and the ethos of providing fun, progressive and engaging sessions.
The Sands Centre is a great example of this expanding its delivery across all 3 phases of the Rise Gymnastics programme to over 250 participants and over 700 in their outreach programme in schools. Because of the Sands Centre, 100’s of additional people have the chance to experience gymnastics.”