Croydon School of Gymnastics - Disabilities Gymnastics

Croydon School of Gymnastics will be holding daytime classes especially for people and children with disabilities. The aim of these classes is so that people with learning or physical disabilities and who have special needs can enjoy the freedom and experience what gymnastics and movement can offer in a secure environment with specialised equipment including trampolines, under the direction of our coaches who are qualified to teach gymnastics to people with disabilities.

In addition to this our top Disabilities National Champion will also be on hand helping in the classes offering visual display so as others can draw from his experiences within the sport. Philip who is now aged 22 years has been a member of our club since the age of 3. Although the club does already integrate children and adults with mild disabilities into our main stream, these classes will cater for children and adults that would find it hard to cope in mainstream and who need more of a one to one coaching.

If a school or group wishes to attend (Up to a maximum of 12 people) to a 1 hours class with 2 coaches in attendance the cost is Ł50.00.

Bookings need to be made in advance and a deposit of Ł20.00 will secure your day and time allocation. This is a non refundable deposit should your group not turn up at the time you have booked the session for.

If an individual wishes to attend the cost is Ł5.50 per person payable each time they attend. These classes will take place under the supervision of qualified coaches and it will be imperative that a teacher, carer, or parents stays during the session to assist and act as support back up to the coaches. The classes we have on offer would take place on Tuesdays from 11.30am – 12.30pm & 2:45 – 3.45pm, Wednesdays 11.30am – 12.30pm and Thursdays from 2:45 – 3.45pm.

If your school/club wishes to join one of our classes please call 020 8683 1885 Thursday eves after 5pm or Saturday between 9.30am – 2.30pm or email Jackie Lewis at croydonsog1@btinternet.com or alternatively call into the club any evening after 5pm. gymnasts-01.gif (16938 bytes)

British Gymnastics NPD National Finals - 2008

On 13th April 2008 the G.M.P.D British Gymnastics NDP finals were held at the Rossmore Leisure Centre in the Poole, Dorset.

Philip Davis was our only entry and passed his Grade 3 and won gold.

Once again, well done Philip.

British Championships 2007

On 11th November 2007 the G.M.P.D British Championships were held in the City of Lisburn.

SALTO GYMNASTICS NATIONAL CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE

A specially designed multi-million pound facility in Northern Ireland. Gymnasts from England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales all flew out to Ireland these Championships are for people with disabilities. This competition was the first to be judged on the new changes to the G.M.P.D code and proved tough going for all the judges as well as the gymnasts taking part. Philip Davis, was hoping to regain his title of British Champion in 2005.

However, this was not to be. Davis not having trained for 10 weeks during the summer months because the club was forced to relocate to the north end of the borough, Philip spent those months helping his club refurbish a ware house. Having not been able to train for such a long period of time Philip was not back to full fitness for this competition although he felt confident with his routines it was a case of they could go either way on the day.

Philip has worked hard since September and some of his routines included new skills to fulfil the requirements of A-Jury however it was the B-Jury judges that could make or break him on execution faults. With a sound floor with no falls his routine only scored 9.55 which wasn't enough to secure a medal and his closest rivals from Scotland took the medals. However Philip was delighted with his Silver medal on Vault with a score of 11.95 for his Round Off Vault and he also managed to pick up 3 apparatus Bronze medals for Pommels (9.90), Parallel Bars (10.80) & High Bar (9.85) and took the over all Bronze medal with a total score of 60.45.

Although disappointed with the overall result Philip was congratulated by the judges for his high standard of skills in his routines. Now Davis is determined to carry on training hard will do his best to perfect these routines for 2008.

South Africa Trip - March/April 2007

Philip Davis was included in the British National Team on a trip to South Africa.
On 26th March 2007 Philip and Jackie Lewis, our Head Coach, flew from Heathrow to Cape Town with 14 other coaches, 17 other gymnasts. All the gymnasts are part of the British National Disabilities Squad.

On 28th March the group went to Astra Special School in Cape Town for a training and demonstration session. From there the group travelled to Athlon a demonstration to a group of senior citizens.

On 29th March, following a sight seeing trip around the Cape Peninsula, the group went to the opening of a Gym Training Centre where they provided a display involving the Men's and Women's Artistic Gymnasts together with the Rhythmic Gymnasts.

From Cape Town they flew on to Port Elizabeth on 30th March and on 31st March they had a day trip to the Oceanarium, Snakepark and a Dolphin show. The following five days were made up of training sessions and workshops with a road show held on 5th April at the beach front.

On 6th April they had and excursion to Kragakama Game Park and finally flew on to Johannesburg on 7th April before returning to Heathrow the following day.

Philip with British team - South Africa 2007

British Championships 2006

On 12 November 2006 gymnast from England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales all converged at the East London Gymnastics Centre in Beckton for the British Championships for people with disabilities. This competition was the first to be judged using the new FIG code and proves tough going for all the gymnasts taking part, including our own Philip Davis, the reigning British Champion.

Philip's routines had been upgraded from last years competition with some higher level skills which, unfortunately did not go as well as expected with three major falls in his floor routine. These mistakes cost Philip his title and he had to settle for the bronze medal overall.

Despite this disappointment Phil still managed to pick up a gold medal for his superb parallel bar routine, a silver on pommel horse and bronze medals on rings, high bar and vault.

Although disappointed with the overall result Philip is determined to carry on training hard and try to perfect his routines for next year.

The LGF Special Needs GMPD 3 Piece Apparatus Competition - 14th & 15th October 2006

Alex Tapsell - aged 10 suffers from A.D.H.D and has Silver Russell Syndrome, which is a rare genetic disorder effecting bone growth and Abnormalities of the kidney. Alex has been a member of Croydon School of Gymnastics squad since 2003.

Alex was entered in the LGF Special Needs Men’s 3-piece apparatus competition held at The Russmore Leisure Centre – Poole, Dorset held on 14th & 15th October 2006.

This was a weekend packed with competitions and social events. Over 120 competitors with special needs from all over England, Scotland, Wales & Jersey stayed at the Express by Holiday Inn - Poole. This event was organised by Mr Dave Balmer and the LGF GMPD Technical Committee.

The weekend started with Trampoline and Rhythmic competitions taking place on Saturday along with Bowling and a Disco in the evening for all competitors. Sunday’s competitions saw the Men’s and Women’s 3-piece events. (Women - Floor, Vault & Beam) (Men – Floor, Vault & P/Bars).

Alex won 3 gold medals for his superb performances in the Level 2 Special Olympics Compulsory exercises on Floor, Vault & Parallel Bars.

LGF Awards Dinner - 16 September 2006

CONGRATULATIONS

To Philip Davis - Master Class 1 Gymnast

Philip Davis, aged 21 was awarded The Master Class 1 Award by The London Gymnastics Federation. This awarded is awarded to gymnasts who have gained National Squad Status in any discipline and who have won a British Championship at senior level and who have competed for their country at international level.

Philip was delighted to receive his award from the London Gymnastics Federation at an awards ceremony where over 350 people attended including the President from British Gymnastics (Brian Stocks) & Vice president (Alan Somerville) along with other VIP's, London Coaches, Judges, Officials plus Fellow Gymnasts Parents and Supporters of the sport who attended this gala evening held at the Guoman Tower Bridge Hotel in London.

Philip also received a second award this time from the LGF Men's Technical Committee a Bronze Award for prolonged services as a judge for all Men's competitions, this award was presented to Philip by Ben Murphy the MTC Chairman.

Philip Davis is an inspirational young man; he's been a member of Croydon School of Gymnastics since the age of 3. Philip, despite having a disability (Dyspraxia and Aspergers) this certainly hasn't stopped him in achieving goals within our sport. During his 18 years as a member of our club he has gone from strength to strength with is gymnastics training, which eventually gained him National Squad Status. Philip has also recently come back from his 3rd Summer Training Camp in Russia along with 7 other members from our boys and girls squad. He not only has achieved as a performer but he has gained the respect of everyone within the London Gymnastics Federation as he not only competes but can now can be seen judging regularly at all the Men's competitions and if he's not doing that he's helping set up and dismantle equipment in the competition arena. Philip is also a member of our clubs coaching team and can be seen coaching 3 days a week at the club, and if that's not enough he's now helping out at all the boy's London Regional Squad Training weekends too!

Philip with Dave Balmer (LGF Disabilities Committee) receiving his Master Class 1 Award

Philip with his parents and staff at the Awards Dinner

Special Olympics National Games - 26th to 28th May 2006

CONGRATULATIONS

To Philip Davis who qualified at a London Regional competition in February was nominated by the LGF to represent London in the Special Olympics National Games which was held in the Cocks Moor Woods Leisure Centre in Birmingham on 26th to 28th May. Philip competed along with 12 other regions over a 3-day event and battled it out in the senior section. He deservedly picked up 6 apparatus gold medals in the run up for selection for the Special Olympics Team - Beijing 2007.

Philip displayed some excellent routines on all apparatus, he stunned the audience with his superb Handspring with half twist Vault, and with a new exciting move in his Parallel Bar routine gave him a very loud cheer from the audience. Davis not only competed over the weekend but he changed roles and slipped into his suit to judge the juniors when he wasn’t competing. As current the reigning British Champion he was asked to be part of the medal presenters handing out medals to the young future stars! Philip is the only GMPD gymnast who holds a judging qualification. Philip now waits anxiously to see if he will be one of the 8 gymnasts selected to represent GB in in 2007.

GMPD National Finals - 9th April 2006

CONGRATULATIONS

To Philip Davis and Alex Tapsell who competed in the GMPD National Finals where Philip won Gold and Alex Silver in their respective competitions.

Philip, aged 20, who suffers from Dyspraxia and has Aspersers Syndrome Won overall Gold in Level – Senior. Alex Tapsell - aged 10, suffers from Silver Russell Syndrome & ADHD Won overall Silver in Level 7 – Junior.

Philip and Alex with Jackie and assist coach Rory Bowen

Special Olympics National Games Qualifiers - 19th February 2006

Philip Davis qualified at a London Regional qualifying competition held at Europa for the Special Olympics National Games which is being held in the Cocks Moor Woods Leisure Centre in Birmingham. He will be battling against the other 12 regions nationally for 1 of just 4 men's places for selection for the Special Olympics Team - Beijing 2007.

With a superb Handspring Vault, an excellent Parallel Bars routine with a new move (Front Somersault to catch) Philip deservedly picked up overall Gold for 1st place and also won 4 apparatus gold medals (for Pommels, Parallel Bars, High Bar & Vault) and 2 silver medals for (Floor and Rings)

British Championships - 20 November 2005

Gymnasts from Scotland, Ireland, England & Wales converged at The Kingston Sports Centre in Milton Keynes to take part in the British Championships for people with disabilities. After a long day of competition for both Men & Women, Philip Davis became Men's British Champion winning overall gold making him UK's No. 1 Disabilities Champion.

With a superb handspring vault with twist, a clean routine on pommel horse, parallel bars and horizontal bar he deservedly picked up 5 apparatus gold medals together with a bronze medal for his floor routine.

Philip won his place on the GB National Squad Team when he became British junior champion in 2002 and will now be training for the World Trials, which take place in Birmingham in May 2006 for selection for the Special Olympics Team taking place in Beijing in 2007.

The club are very proud of Philip, now 20, who has been with the club since the age of 3, when he joined our Kindergarten classes. Philip has steadily worked his way up through the ranks of the club with hard work and extreme determination. He is a great role model to each and every member of our club and attends training 4 times a week, fitting his training around his studies, together with coaching 3 out of 4 days before commencing training.

Philip constantly strives to achieve new skills which proves that with hard work and regular attendance anything can be achieved by anybody.

Well done Philip!!

GMPD National Finals - 15 May 2004

Philip Davis (aged 19) recently returned from Milton Keynes having won overall 2nd in Level 6 at the Disabilities National Finals. Davis suffers from Dispraxia which effects his balance and co-ordination not only over come his disability but has suffered from a broken scaphoid bone in his wrist which prevented him in regaining his title as British Champion in The British Championships held earlier this year. Davis is now fully recovered and we were delighted with his recent success in Milton Keynes

Philip is pictured below with his award along with National Judges Carol Ford & Ben Murphy who awarded Philip a credible 9.20 on Parallel Bars and 7.20 for Range & Conditioning

Philip with Carol and Ben

Belfast 2003

Philip travelled to compete in an International competition in Belfast. Originally he was to be a travelling reserve, but, ended up competing and finishing overall 4th.

Well done Philip.

Congratulations to Philip Davis

Champion Philip Davis Despite suffering from dispraxia, a form of coordination and balance difficulties Philip Davis has won a host of Gold Medals since first competing in a Floor & Vault competition for people with Disabilities in Poole the end of last year. Here are a few of his success stories.
Philip was competing in the Southern Regions G.M.P.D (Gymnastics & Movement for People with Disabilities) Floor & Vault Competition held in The Olga Kemp-Welch Leisure Centre in November 2001. This competition put him in the same arena as ex-world champion Ronnie Broomhall, from the City of Stoke. Although not competing against Ronnie, Philip did beat his score on vault and out performed all his rivals on floor.
Philip was crowned U16 - F & V Champion after a very long day which started at 8.30 am.

National Development Plan - Regional Finals

Philip wins a Gold After winning 2 Gold's in the (GMPD) Floor & Vault Competition. Philip entered his first 6-piece apparatus competition on Sunday 25th February 2001 at the Europa Gymnastics Centre.
He competed very competently on all apparatus. His scores reflect how much this lad has improved during the last few months. Philip's scores were: - (8.30) on Floor, (8.45) - Pommels, (8.40) - Rings, (9.25) - Vault, (8.25) - P/Bars & (8.65) for his Horizontal Bar, giving him a Total of 51.30 with 2.20 marks ahead of 2nd place, making Philip Regional champion and proudly bringing home another Gold to add to the 2 he won for F & V.

National Development Plan 2001 - National Finals

Philip shows off his gold Now that Philip held the title of London Regional Champion he was selected along with other LGF gymnasts to represent London, along with teams from the South West, North West, Eastern, Southern, Yorkshire, Scotland, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Guernsey to compete in the NDP National Finals held at the Mountbatten Centre in Portsmouth on 21st April 2001.
Philip displayed some wonderful routines along with his team mates in the Men's Under 16 - Level 1 Philip's scores were as follows: - (7.80) on Floor, (7.40) - Pommels, (7.40) - Rings, (9.00) - Vault, (8.00) - P/Bars & (7.95) for Horizontal Bar, giving him a Total of 40.95
Philip now is the proud holder of 4 gold medals. Well done Philip - keep up the good work!
Philip along with other members of the club who have special needs such as A.D.D (Attention Deficit Disorder), Down Syndrome, Dyspraxia, Sight & Hearing problems, have all been integrated into clubs programme of classes, making this a club where nobody is refused the opportunity to enjoy the sport of gymnastics.