Special Olympian Ellen Maher, who trains with ‘the Y’, was also recognised with a National Representation Recognition Award for competing in the 2019 Special Olympics World Games in Abu Dhabi.
“We are beyond thrilled to once again be awarded the Club Inclusion Award,” centre manager Sarah Cotman said.
“Bankstown City Y has always had a strong connection to the disability sector and strives to create a space for all individuals to participate and enjoy gymnastics.
“Our disability recreation and Special Olympics classes continue to grow and strengthen with athletes competing throughout the year in Gymnastics NSW competitions.
“In 2019, we also held our first School Inclusions competition and won the Canterbury Bankstown Council’s Zero Barriers Award.”
Special Olympics and GymAbility have been running at Bankstown for over 15 years and local Y gymnasts Ellen, along with Ashley Kuhle, are heading to the Trisome World Games for athletes with Down Syndrome in Turkey later this month.
“We have 20 members in our disability programs Special O and GymAbility and we are so excited to watch Ellen and Ashley compete on the world stage,” Gymnastics coordinator Jessica Mavridis said.
The Y’s Dominic Briscas was a finalist in the Men’s Artistic Gymnastics International Development Athlete of the Year award.
The club had more than 1,100 gymnastics members last year and offer 145 classes a week.
More info at ymcansw.org.au/centres/bankstown-city-ymca.
‘Inclusive Club of Year’ win
FOR the third time, Bankstown City YMCA (‘the Y’) has won ‘Inclusive Club of the Year’ at the Gymnastics NSW annual awards after being one of four finalists.
