The Jamaica Gymnastics Association is looking for a home in the new year after rental facilities for the training of those in its national setup became too expensive.
The national team would normally train at Shin Nishida’s Nishida gymn, but have been forced to train at their respective clubs to save money.
Toni-Ann Williams
According to the JAGA’s president, Nicole Grant, the organisation is part of the way, in terms of putting together a national training centre.
“We have bought a gymnasium from China. It’s now at the wharf, but right now we need assistance in terms of funding to actually build it, because we have the land and we have the actual gym, but we just need funding to pay the engineer to set up and build a base. We are hoping to build a five-foot wall base as well as the flooring and all that,” said Grant.
Jamaica enjoyed having its first gymnast at the Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil this year. Since then the sport has earned more visibility in the island and it was the hope that the increased attention would translate into improvements locally.
There has been some progress, according to Grant.
We were very blessed to have our Olympian Toni-Ann and the rest of our local and overseas-based senior gymnasts come together and host the first annual gymnastics summer camp for our beginners to advance gymnasts. We were also able to show our appreciation to the many persons and affiliates who have contributed to the growth of gymnastics in Jamaica,” she said.
Even more progress was achieved when 22 members of the National Junior Development team went to the Caribbean Fest in Ashburn, Virginia.
According to Grant, more can be achieved once the national programme has a base. (Sportsmax)
