Laura does it again

Just when things didn’t look like they could get any better for Swindon gymnast Laura Halford – they just did. NINE-year-old Laura a member of Esprit Gymnastics in Stratton St Margaret was selected for the Welsh National Rhythmic Gymnastics squad only three weeks ago and she has already been asked to become a part of the Full Welsh National Team, bringing her Olympic dream one step closer.

Laura has been asked to represent Wales in an International Competition in RUSSIA and will be travelling to the country next month for a week with the Welsh Team competing against some of the very best gymnasts in the World.

“It has all been a bit of a whirlwind over the last few weeks”, said proud mum Paula Kimmel, “first we had the trails for the Welsh National Squad, which Laura was ecstatic to discover she had been selected to join. She also came second overall in the trials and now she has been asked to compete for her country”.

Paula continued, “It really has been an incredible time and it is all down to the fantastic coaching Laura receives at Esprit, her coach Deb Hows gives up so much of her time for Laura, travelling with her to Llanelli and the Institute of Sport in Cardiff for Welsh Squad training every Monday evening and weekends, but still finds time for all the other gymnasts she looks after”.

Deb Hows was more modest, “Laura has natural talent, an amazing drive to succeed and supportive parents and that’s what you need to make it in a sport like gymnastics. Laura has never let her success go to her head and is a joy to teach, always trying her hardest, I expect her to give a very good account of herself in Russia.

The only setback to Laura’s success is the expense in sending her to the competition, because of the lack of government funding for gymnastics as a sport and exceptional athletes like Laura in particular, there is no funding available for the trip. Laura needs to raise £700 for the trip to Russia and so far generous individuals have donated more than £150 and the Welsh Institute of Sport is helping as best it can, but she still has to find £550 in less than a month.

Esprit has agreed to manage a fund that will raise money to enable all Esprit athletes, not just Laura, to attend overseas events and is looking for sponsorships and donations from companies and individuals who, like Esprit, can see the massive potential of supporting young athletes like Laura.

Esprit spokesman Mark Hows said “Laura is an exceptional athlete and deserves her chance, so if anyone can help Laura and indeed Esprit’s other budding young Olympic hopefuls, please contact Esprit Gymnastics on 01793 822262 or info@esprit-gymnastics.co.uk”

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