Former Olympic gymnast backs campaign to improve young lives through sport in Hartlepool

Amy Tinkler visited two community sports clubs in Hartlepool for Made By Sport, the charity campaign that champions sport to improve the lives of young people.

The campaign has teamed up with this year’s Great North Run to raise money for grassroots and community sports clubs in the North East.

As part of her visit, Amy joined sessions with the two clubs she was visiting – Hartlepool Mavericks Dodgeball Club and Stott Community Running Club – at the town’s Belle Vue Sports and Community Centre.

Amy, who grew up in County Durham, shared her lessons on how sport teaches important skills and values that benefit young people in a range of different ways – from giving them confidence to improve at school and forming friendships through teamwork and respect.

The European, World and Olympic medallist said: “It’s so important that young people, wherever they’re from and whatever their background, have the opportunity to get into sport and experience all of the benefits it offers.

“I had that, and sport has done so much for me in my life, so I’m here to give back and help support those that need it.

“Being able to do so in the North East – the place that I’m from and I love – is even more special, and I’ve been inspired massively by the people at Hartlepool Mavericks Dodgeball and Stott Community Running Clubs.

“For people that want to help clubs and grassroots sports to thrive, more support is needed.

“Made by Sport is an incredible campaign that, through its partnership with the Great North Run, is looking to do just that by raising money to support local sports clubs and organisations just like these, so young people across the North East can gain access to the amazing benefits sport has to offer.”

During her career, Amy has won eight English Titles, ten British Titles, four Youth Olympic Medals, three European Medals, one World Medal and an Olympic Bronze Medal from Rio 2016.