Wales & West Utilities Andrew Lloyd with sons Noah & Jacob (living in the same house)
A Cardiff gymnastics club is doing cartwheels after young members celebrated its 101-year anniversary by raising vital funds.
More than 35 young people, aged between 4 and 15, have spent a month commemorating the 101 years of Cardiff Central Youth Club (CCYC) by taking part in a ‘101 Challenge’ – choosing to do 101 of an activity during the course of the month.
With efforts including daily 101 sit ups, cartwheels and holding a handstand for 101 minutes, the club has been astounded with the response which has seen members raising over £4,500.
The efforts were led by coaches running the various squads in the gym. One of those is Leah Lloyd, Volunteer Boys Coach, whose two young sons, Noah and Jacob, compete and train through the club. Leah was supported by her husband, Andrew,
Leah explains:
“Back in March the gym had to close due to the risk of coronavirus. It’s only just been able to reopen and so we’ve missed out on six months of vital support and funding which is needed to run our elite and recreational classes, to support children in the local community to take part in a sport they love.
“CCYC was founded in 1919 and we had grand plans for celebrating our 101 years of providing sporting, health and wellbeing activities for the residents of Cardiff, but sadly these had to be put on hold due to the pandemic.
“Our young gymnasts were keen to give back to the club and took on this challenge with such passion to help ensure the club and the sport they love can continue.”
The fundraising efforts were supported by Andrew Lloyd’s employer, Wales & West Utilities, which donated £300 as part of its commitment to support the volunteering and charitable efforts of its colleagues. The money will now go towards purchasing new landing mats for the gym.
Wales & West Utilities People & Engagement Director, Sarah Hopkins, said:
“We are delighted to support the fundraising efforts of our colleagues and causes close to their heart. This month-long event has proven to be a fantastic way in which young members can give back to a Club that they hold in high-regard.
“As we all adapt to a ‘new normal’, we wish CCYC and their young, budding gymnasts the best of luck for the future.”
Leah added:
“The money will now help the club continue to provide gymnastic opportunities and experiences to allow local youngsters to succeed and thrive. On behalf of CCYC I’d like to say a huge thank you to Wales & West Utilities, our club members and everyone that has supported this fantastic fundraising drive.
“As a club we’re incredibly grateful for the contribution and support everyone has shown. It allows us to continue facilitating young gymnasts to carry on their training in a sport they love so much.”
The club, located on Ocean Park, provides both recreational class and elite level gymnastics for over 500 people in the local community.
Wales & West Utilities, the gas emergency and pipeline service, brings energy to 7.5m people across the south west of England and Wales. If you smell gas, or suspect the presence of carbon monoxide, call us on 0800 111 999 straight away, and our engineers will be there to help any time of day or night. Before visiting, we'll ask you to let us know if you or anyone in your household, is experiencing Coronavirus symptoms or self-isolating. We'll still come and help you: but our teams will take some additional precautions to keep us all safe.