FOLLOWING the lifting of the indoor-sports ban, a gymnastics team from Wokingham has been able to return.

Pinewood Gymnastics, Old Wokingham Road, had their under 18's group return to their facilities recently, after the UK Gymnastics roadmap meant gyms began to reopen nationally from April 12.

From May 17, it is expected that gymnasts of all age groups will be able to return to socially-distanced indoor gymnastics sessions.

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Carol Gregory, Club Manager at Pinewood Gymnastics, said: “The children were so excited to even be outside the gym conditioning and able to see their friends.

"When they were actually able to enter the gym it was a little overwhelming for some, the rules were so different to what they were used to, but so many happy smiles!

“The first week back I spent a long time talking to parents, were they happy to be back, did they feel safe with all the protocols in place, would they book again.

"The response was amazing, we felt we had done all we could at this point!"

Pic: Pinewood Gymnastics.

Pic: Pinewood Gymnastics.

British Gymnastics Interim Chief Executive, Alastair Marks, said: “I want to thank all clubs and coaches that have continued to stay positive throughout, encouraging their gymnasts to take part in online classes and get creative at home, as well as recognising the lengths that they have gone to in order to prevent the spread of Covid-19, by taking on the advice and guidance within our Step Forward Plan.

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“We’re absolutely thrilled that many clubs are now able to return to indoor training, and that members, especially young gymnasts who’ve missed out on so much over multiple lockdowns, can now get back to enjoying the sport they love.”

For more information, visit pinewoodgymnastics.co.uk/.