Ormskirk disabled gymastics club to perform at Royal gala in Londo’s Savoy theatre

Oct 25 2012 by Rob Pattinson, Ormskirk Advertiser

A DISABLED gymnastics club from Ormskirk will perform for Royalty in the West End in a Diamond Jubilee gala.

Spartac Gymnastics Club’s display team have been invited as special guests for the First News Diamond Kids Royal Gala in London’s Savoy Theatre on November 4.

The team of 19 gymnasts, 17 of whom have a disability, has represented Great Britain on many occasions around the world.

Their most recent display, The Wizard of Oz, was performed at the World Gymnaestrada in Switzerland last year.

And it was at a performance earlier this year at the National Line Dance Awards in Blackpool that they were scouted for the gala event.

Coach Dave Rozzell said: “The whole team is really excited, as am I. We’ve had some fantastic times, such as representing Great Britain in Switzerland last year, but it’s the recognition of their achievement in being picked for this Royal gala performance that makes it so special.”

The display team has become world-renowned, performing at gymnastics festivals throughout the world, and has competed successfully in regional and national British disabilities gymnastics competitions and produced regional and national champions, with gymnasts selected for National Rhythmic and Artistic Gymnastics Disabilities Squads.

And Dave said: “Wherever we go, people are surprised at the standard disabled gymnasts can achieve.

“We have members from as far afield as Manchester and Stoke and that shows the reputation our club has – people do look up to us as a bench mark.

“Members of our team range from the ages of 10 to 41 and we don’t have any restrictions on age or ability. We’re all really looking forward to the gala now, it really is a great honour for the club.”

Spartac Gymnastics Club was founded 18 years ago and is based at Edge Hill University. Their Royal invitation included a performance last month at the Liverpool Empire where two other acts were chosen to accompany them to London.