A thriving gymnastics academy which operates across South Wales has been handed a cash boost by a housebuilder to help pay for new equipment.
Valleys Gymnastics Academy has been picked by Persimmon Homes East Wales as the housebuilder’s Healthy Communities winner for the month, scooping £750.
The Healthy Communities scheme supports sportspeople under the age of 21, with £22,500 donated across the UK each month.
Aled Jones, one of the club’s directors, said: “We are thrilled to receive this generous donation from Persimmon Homes.
“Valleys Gymnastics Academy is a not-for-profit organisation which has a proven track record in both grassroots and performance sport.
“We are currently engaging more than 2,500 participants on a weekly basis across four local authorities. One of the organisation’s satellite clubs at Cwmbran Stadium engages more than 650 participants of all abilities.
“This money will help pay for new equipment for some of our junior members.”
Members of Valleys Gymnastics Academy will be keeping their fingers crossed that things could yet get much better for the organisation.
In January finalists from each of Persimmon’s 30 regional businesses will be selected and a public vote will follow, with prizes of £200,000, £50,000 and £5,000 up for grabs.
The Healthy Communities scheme runs alongside Persimmon’s Community Champions initiative for non-sports clubs, which sees more than £700,000 dished out to good causes each year.
Victoria Williams, sales director for Persimmon Homes East Wales, said: “We’re delighted to support Valleys Gymnastics Academy with this funding.
“We are proud to support sports clubs, charities and community groups in the areas in which we build with thousands of pounds through our Healthy Communities and Community Champions schemes.”
Persimmon Homes is currently building a range of homes at affordable prices at its St Edeyrns Village development in Old St. Mellons, Cardiff.
To find out more or to enter the competition, visit www.persimmonhomes.com/charity.
