Hartlepool gymnastics club in fundraising appeal for Italy trip

Firebird Gymnastics Club opened its new premises at Bizspace’s Hartlepool Workshops, Usworth Road, in September and since then it has come on leaps and bounds, now teaching gym and acrobatic skills to more than 100 members, aged from three upwards.

The team have set their sights on performing at the Festival del Sole, which takes place in Riccione, Italy, in July.

The club is the brainchild of brother and sister Graham and Paula Elsley, who used their experience in dance and gymnastics to give something back to their home town.

Graham, 33, who was previously a professional dancer, said: “We specialise in acrobatics and display work and we love to give children the opportunity to demonstrate their skills while visiting new towns or even other countries, which is what we are fund-raising for now.”

Georgia Davidson, 10, has been a member of Firebird for two years.

She said: “It’s so exciting to represent our country and to show everyone how amazing and friendly we are at Firebird. As well as showcasing our talents to hundreds of people, we get to meet lots of new people, try different foods and languages, and watch displays from teams from around the world.”

The team has been collecting money by doing displays in the town centre and doing sponsored bag packs, with more events planned over the coming months.

It is also looking for donations from businesses, which have been kicked off by a £250 contribution from Bizspace.

Sales and marketing director, Emma Long, said: “This is a wonderful opportunity for young people to represent Firebird, Hartlepool and the UK on an international stage.”

For more information or to make a donation to the appeal, email: [email protected].