A DUBLIN gymnastics club has expressed that the Olympics serves as a dazzling showcase of the talent within the sport, yet they wholeheartedly welcome every child to join their community.
This summer’s Olympics highlighted extraordinary global talents in gymnastics, with notable American superstar Simone Biles dazzling spectators and clinching gold in the vaulting competition.
For Olympian Gymnastics, the club named in honor of the sport, the event symbolizes an opening for young people to explore their potential in gymnastics.
Rebecca Murphy, the Operations Manager at Olympian Gymnastics in Dublin, emphasized that while the high-profile competition celebrates remarkable athletes, they want kids and their families to realize that gymnastics is accessible to everyone— not just those aspiring to be Olympians.
“We provide gymnastics on a recreational basis, so the idea behind the club is that it’s gymnastics for all. There are no barriers to entry here,” she stated passionately.
“Many viewers were captivated by Simone Biles at the Olympics, marveling at the incredible feats she achieved, but we aim to amplify the message that gymnastics is for everyone— irrespective of age or background.”
“We’re actively striving to make gymnastics accessible to all, which includes developing various programs tailored to meet the diverse needs of our community,” she added, revealing the club’s commitment to inclusivity.
Working closely with children from an array of backgrounds in Dublin and Naas, Kildare, they recognize that each child deserves a chance to shine.
Discussing the myriad benefits gymnastics offers children, Rebecca highlighted: “The value of a sport like gymnastics is profound, providing a pivotal escape for children, even if it is just that one hour a week where they can relish in fun, feel loved, and experience nurturing support in a positive environment.”
This dedication is underscored by their partnership with the charity Barnardos since 2016, having raised an impressive total of €103,816 to date.
Barnardos, which partners with the Irish Sun, is committed to aiding the nation’s most vulnerable children.
During their annual eight-week summer camps, the club hosts a spirited ‘Cartwheel-a-thon’ to collect funds for the charity, creating an engaging way for the kids to contribute.
RAISING FUNDS
In the previous year, over 1,900 enthusiastic young gymnasts, aged between 3 and 16, came together to raise €4,435 through their efforts.
Rebecca explained: “At the beginning of the week, each child receives a sponsorship card, and Barnardos provides a heartwarming video for the kids to watch at the start of camp, so they understand the purpose of their fundraising.”
“They learn about Barnardos’ mission and how vital it is, encouraging them to fundraise throughout the week. On the final day of camp, Barnardos gifts us t-shirts and balloons to decorate our gym, and the children joyously perform cartwheels along the mats for our Cartwheel-a-thon fundraiser.”
They were recently astounded by the impressive sum raised since 2016.
‘IT’S FANTASTIC’
“We were pleasantly surprised by the total amount; it’s remarkable when you pull it all together after consistently holding this event year in and year out,” she remarked.
“An essential part of our annual agenda is to ensure fundraising opportunities, and that’s the core of our Cartwheel-a-thon.”
Elaborating on the motivation behind their choice to support Barnardos, Rebecca remarked: “We connect deeply with their mission, given that we primarily work with children. Observing the diverse backgrounds of children coming through our doors, it’s essential for us to prioritize their well-being.”
“We hold a firm belief that every child should be cared for, and their interests must always take precedence in various situations,” she said, emphasizing their commitment to child welfare.
“Working with Barnardos has been a wonderful experience; they are incredible partners in our journey. They provide us with materials, including videos, to help our gymnasts grasp the significance of their contributions, proving that without the children and their unwavering efforts each year, this fundraising success would not be possible. At the end of the day, it’s the kids who drive this initiative forward, which is truly fantastic.”
**Interview with Rebecca Murphy, Operations Manager at Olympian Gymnastics Club, Dublin**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Rebecca. With the recent Olympics showcasing incredible talent, particularly from Simone Biles, how does this impact your club and its mission?
**Rebecca Murphy:** Thank you for having me! The Olympics indeed put gymnastics in the spotlight. While we admire the extraordinary talent on display, our focus at Olympian Gymnastics is to ensure that all children understand gymnastics is accessible to everyone—not just those who aspire to compete at that elite level.
**Interviewer:** That’s a powerful message! How do you encourage inclusivity within your programs?
**Rebecca Murphy:** We pride ourselves on being a community-focused club. We’ve developed a variety of programs tailored to the diverse needs of our members, ensuring that there are no barriers to entry. Our mantra is “gymnastics for all,” and we really embody that in everything we do.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned the benefits of gymnastics. Can you elaborate on how it positively impacts children?
**Rebecca Murphy:** Absolutely! Gymnastics offers children a chance to escape from daily pressures, even if it’s just for an hour each week. It’s a space where they can have fun, feel supported, and flourish in a positive environment. This is particularly vital for their emotional and social development.
**Interviewer:** Olympian Gymnastics has partnered with Barnardos for years. How has that collaboration shaped your club’s activities?
**Rebecca Murphy:** Our partnership with Barnardos has been incredibly rewarding. Since 2016, we’ve raised over €103,816 to support vulnerable children in Ireland. Our annual ‘Cartwheel-a-thon’ during summer camps not only helps raise funds but also engages our young members in giving back to the community. It’s heartwarming to see their enthusiasm for helping others.
**Interviewer:** That’s inspiring! What do you hope to achieve in the coming years at Olympian Gymnastics?
**Rebecca Murphy:** Moving forward, we aim to continue spreading the message that gymnastics is for everyone, and we will keep expanding our inclusive programs. We want every child in Dublin and beyond to have the opportunity to experience the joy and benefits of gymnastics, regardless of their background.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Rebecca! It’s clear that Olympian Gymnastics is making a significant impact in your community.
**Rebecca Murphy:** Thank you! We’re passionate about what we do and look forward to welcoming more kids into our gymnastics family.
