A local gymnastics club has moved a step closer to improving its facilities thanks to sponsorship from a Douglas-based company.

Manx Gymnastics Centre of Excellence is currently undergoing a four-year fundraising project to help re-equip its gym at Glencrutchery Road in Douglas to the highest standards.

With a number of competitive members, including some who have competed at the Commonwealth Games, the club has a responsibility to ensure its equipment is not only safe and reliable, but meets specific professional standards.

In 2019, insurance broker Rossborough pledged its support to the club, providing a welcome boost to MGCE’s own efforts which included fundraising events such as Zumba, bingo, tombolas, craft sales, raffles and bag-packing. So far, the club has raised £12,500 out of the £50,000 required.

As part of the sponsorship, Manx Gymnastics Centre of Excellence hosted a team-building morning for Rossborough designed to test and improve skills such as communication, creativity, planning, teamwork, strategy and logic.

The session concluded with cake and prosecco, and a review of what had been learned.

Angela Roberts, MGCE director, commented: ’With much of our equipment having come to the end of its lifespan, this project was vital for securing the future of the centre.

’We simply couldn’t manage to raise all the funds on our own so we really can’t thank Rossborough enough for its generous support.

’Although some of the team-building activities use the gym equipment, the sessions are not physically taxing and are suitable for all ages and abilities.

’If any local group or organisation is interested in one of our sessions, please do get in touch. In return for a few hours of competitive fun and teamwork, we only ask for a donation with all proceeds going directly towards our fundraising project to purchase equipment.’

Ann Collins, managing director of Rossborough Insurance (IoM), said they were pleased to support the club’s fundraising project and thoroughly enjoyed the team-building morning.

She explained: ’We expected it to be just a bit of fun and an enjoyable morning together, but actually we learned a lot about each other and left feeling an even stronger unit than before.

’If any other local businesses or groups are looking for a team-building challenge, I’d recommend this in an instant.

’The centre is an important part of the local community and, as a company committed to investing in our island, we were keen to support this initiative.

’It is great to see the club raise such a promising amount in year one and we look forward to keeping up-to-date with the fundraising project.’

l For further information about the Manx Gymnastics Centre of Excellence, visit www.manxgymnastics.co.uk

To enquire about the team-building sessions, email [email protected]