I've raised £5000 to help Tamworth Olympic Gymnastics Club
Organised by Hayley Hooper
Story
Help our gymnastics club...
Three years ago my daughter (Aimee) joined a gymnastics club that she now loves to call her "second home".... Tamworth Olympic Gymnastics Club (TOGC).
Over the years I have volunteered my time to help the club where I can. Unfortunately, what they need now is not something I can offer on my own!
To put it bluntly...the club could really do with some much needed funds!
Initially the money would go to covering the losses from the COVID-19 closures and then towards repairing equipment so that the gymnasts can continue to train safely. Ideally, if I managed to raise enough, the club would also like to purchase a new set of Gymnova Asymmetric Bars, but I fear this may be a far off dream at the moment.
Our Love for TOGC and Gymnastics
Before TOGC, Aimee had attended a couple of different clubs as a competitive gymnast. But it was only when she started at Tamworth that we both felt at home! They welcomed us both with open arms, enriching Aimee with confidence and perseverance whilst supporting her career. Plus allowing me to help in the background - it is through this, that I know they need a little extra help.
They will not ask themselves, not because they are too proud, but because they are genuinely nice people, who are aware that bigger things are going on in life at the moment!
TOGC is a registered Community Amateur Sports Club, which makes them a non profit organisation. Meaning every bit of money they receive, goes back into the club and their community. However, currently the monthly fees go to the running of the two gymnasiums (rent, heating, lighting etc) and the coaches wages. After which, there is pretty much nothing left for the general upkeep of the equipment, or replacing of it.
And that was before the COVID-19 closures hit!
During the first lockdown the club asked for support, in the way of fees still being paid if possible for April and May. Obviously this was not possible for everyone, but I know they truly appreciated the support from those who could. From June onwards, the club has suspended fees for the periods of closure. Whilst this helps us families, it does not help them in this stressful time, and it has meant that they are now in a difficult financial position as a result of the lost income.
Ideally I would love to raise funds for everything on their wishlist (because I feel they completely deserve it)..
but for now I just want to make sure my daughter's 2nd home stays open! That's not something I can do alone, so I'm asking anyone who can, please help me!!
They offer such a safe, welcoming environment for so many children - from the one hour per week recreational gymnasts, to the 15 hours per week elite gymnasts. It would be fantastic if we could give them something back, for all the hours of enjoyment our children get....
Thank You for reading my story and to anyone who can help me keep this fantastic club going!
Love Hayley x
A Bit of TOGC History....
TOGC started life in a high school hall in 1979 by "Mrs G". As a gymnast herself, Mrs G wanted to share her passion with the next generation. In 2006 the club made the move to it's own premises, a single unit on an industrial estate. In March 2017 they successfully expanded that single unit into a neighbouring one, allowing them to have two fully equipped gymnasiums.... However, that also comes with double the upkeep costs!
The Club's Philosophy
TOGC's philosophy is to give children a safe, friendly environment to learn a fantastic sport. Gymnastics not only promotes an active healthy lifestyle but teaches children skills they will use for the rest of their lives. Their aim is to inspire gymnasts of all ages, giving them confidence in life as well as in the gym.
Please feel free to visit their website, to learn more about the club and what they have to offer -Tamworth Olympic Gymnastics Club
