Special Gymnastics Club closes after 34 years

A gymnastics club for children and young people with disabilities has closed after 34 years, following concerns over the shared facilities planned at the new Oakfield sports centre.

Jersey Special Gymnastics Club says it has had its hand forced to close, because of a lack of adequate facilities. 

It is moving out of Fort Regent as it is redeveloped, and says sharing facilities at Oakfield won't meet the specific needs of the group, who require quiet, privacy, and space. 

Chair Jeannine Carey says whilst many sports can integrate abilities, with gymnastics there are safeguarding and well-being concerns.

She says they haven't been considered in the relocation of island sports:

"We've been very much treated as a minority, as far as I'm concerned, we've been left out of meetings and all sorts. 

"We were given the opportunity to go to Oakfield and share with the two other gym clubs, but safeguarding issues were raised immediately by us.

"For us, there was no point moving to Oakfield for a term to find out it didn't work; it would have taken the group that time to adjust anyway. 

"We operate on a completely independent part of Fort Regent, to allow our members to run around if they need to. We requested a wellbeing room and that was dismissed to a certain extent."

"We'd have done a lot more damage - lost their confidence - so the decision was taken to pull the plug now."

The club was forced to leave its Greenfields based in 2022 after 14 years and was homeless for a time before being offered a temporary home at Fort Regent.

The Infrastructure department said;

"We are deeply saddened by the closure of the Jersey Special Gymnastics Club, a cherished institution that has supported children and young people with disabilities for over 30 years.

"The club’s legacy is one of excellence, community, and its absence will be felt across the Island."

"We respect this difficult choice, but we want to make clear that the Government has consistently worked to support the club and stands ready to continue to do so.

"Our ongoing support has included:

• Discussing specialist equipment tailored to the club’s needs at Oakfield Sports Centre.
• Constructing a purpose-built wellbeing room to ensure privacy and safeguarding.
• Maintaining ongoing dialogue with the club to understand and accommodate their requirements.

"We remain committed to inclusive sport and to working with the Jersey Sports Association for the Disabled and other partners to ensure that every athlete has the opportunity to thrive in a safe and supportive environment."