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Selfless gynastics coach is flippin' great
By HEATHER BULTER TO these young gymnasts, Sarah Oxley is one in a million.
Sarah embarked on a one-woman crusade to get kids jumping through hoops and balancing on beams.
The 23-year-old started her Gym Mania gymnastics club from scratch - but now has a thriving troop of more than 100 local children.
Her efforts have now been recognised with her crowning as Lancashire Sport's Wyre Young Volunteer of the Year.
Sarah, of Victoria Road East, Thornton, trained as a coach and competition judge before deciding to open the not-for-profit club in Poulton.
A proud Sarah, who has also recently qualified as a primary school teacher, said: "I love seeing the children come here and have a go at things they have never tried before.
"We focus on making the sessions fun and sneaking in a bit exercise at the same time.
"I really enjoy taking the classes, even though it does take up the whole weekend, it is well worth it.
"I have got such a lot out of gymnastics over the years and was desperate to put something back. Although I never competed I have enjoyed every minute and wanted to give other kids the chance to get the rewards out of achieving something for themselves."
And while she hopes to churn out a few high-bar champions of the future, she has far more important goals to aim for.
"Not all sport has to be about medals and awards," she said, "Although anyone with a great talent I will refer to one of our big local clubs.
"I'm interested in the children's future fitness and building their confidence.
"Hopefully becoming involved with a sport at an early age, and enjoying it, will set them up with good habits for life."
Now nominated for the Lancashire Sport final awards in September, Sarah had already been recognised for her dedication with two gongs from the Year of the Volunteer 2005, and one from the British Gymnastics North West Volunteer of the Year U25s.
For more information about the club, which meets on Saturdays and Sundays at the Poulton Youth and Community Centre on Parrys Way, next to the Civic Centre, contact Sarah on 07731 338122.
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Wednesday 30 May 2012
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