British Gymnastics Winners 2026 Second Year Running
We have been crowned British Gymnastics Official Delivery Partner Venue of the Year 2026 for the second year in a row.
This award celebrates our real commitment to providing high-quality, engaging gymnastics experiences. We have been recognised for sharing British Gymnastics vision of creating uplifting opportunities for everyone and delivering Rise Gymnastics to an excellent standard. We’re continually developing our approach to make the experience even better, while expanding our programmes to reach more people -especially those from under-represented groups - so that more individuals can take part and enjoy gymnastics.
The Sands Centre Gymnastics Programme continues to thrive, providing inclusive, high-quality gymnastics for all ages and abilities. Over the past year, the programme has grown significantly, now engaging 380 children in Rise Gymnastics and delivering to over 800 school children annually. This growth reflects the dedication, creativity, and professionalism of the coaching team, with several coaches completing Level 2 General Gymnastics and Pre-School CPD courses.
A major milestone this year was hosting the first RISE competition, giving young gymnasts the opportunity to showcase their skills, build confidence, and celebrate personal achievement. The event highlighted resilience, teamwork, and self-improvement, emphasising participation and inclusion over competition.
The programme has also expanded its inclusive offerings. A dedicated SEND gymnastics class provides tailored sessions for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities, incorporating smaller group sizes, adapted lesson plans. Parents have reported that children “finally feel included and confident in a sporting environment for the first time.” Plans are underway to introduce British Sign Language support and additional class spaces to meet growing demand.
Additionally, The Sands Centre delivers the British Gymnastics ‘Love to Move’ programme, supporting older adults and individuals living with Parkinson’s and dementia. These sessions promote physical activity, social connection, and wellbeing, extending gymnastics opportunities to the wider community.
Commenting on being 2026 winner: “Winning Official Delivery Partner Venue of the Year for the second year in a row is an incredible honour for our team here at The Sands Leisure Centre. This recognition reflects a year of real growth and impact, from delivering Rise Gymnastics to over 390 children and many school pupils, to hosting our first Rise Gymnastics competition and expanding inclusive opportunities through SEND classes and the British Gymnastics Foundation’s Love to Move programme. It’s a testament to the dedication, creativity and passion of our coaching and delivery teams, and we’re extremely proud to see their work recognised once again.”
The team have been invited to attend the British Gymnastics Artistic Championships in Liverpool to collect the Award