The National Lottery 30 Years | Ayrshire
The National Lottery celebrates 30 years since the first draw held on 19 November 1994. We spoke to Ayrshire about the funding they received to help them deliver an uplifting gymnastics experience for all.
Since it began, The National Lottery has raised over £50 billion and awarded more than 690,000 grants to good causes. These include everything from environmental projects and local communities to the arts and sport. Gymnastics in Scotland has benefitted from this throughout this time, including Ayrshire Gymnastics Academy. They shared their funding story and experience with us from start to finish.
“Over the years we have been successful with gaining grant funding, from Awards for All in 2018 and the community fund this year. Both processes in applying were extremely straight forward.”
How the funding developed the club
“Our first funding was used to purchase new mats for all our members to use. Our new matted area was essential when moving into our new premises Ayrshire Gymnastics Academy. We were able to welcome new members in now with the new floor space available.
“The second lot of funding we received this year has been used to set up a new specific ASN sessions for children. We have always integrated children with additional needs within our mainstream classes (and continue to do so), but when we asked our members, the demand was there was a specific ASN session.”
Why funding sport so important to the local area
“Ayrshire Gymnastics Academy is based in Kilmarnock, East Ayrshire which is an area of high deprivation. The funding we have received has helped make our sport more inclusive and accessible to our local children and young people who really need it the most. We can welcome and accommodate all ages and abilities because of the new large, matted area we have. We are also able to reduce our class sizes and work more one to one with some gymnasts who really benefit from the additional support and provision.”
The benefits to the wider club community beyond the gymnasts
“Because of the National Lottery Funding, we have been able to welcome clubs from all over Scotland to our own in-house competition. We have a team of over 30 parents and guardians who support our event each year giving up their time and energy to make sure the event runs smoothly. This positive team ethos is exactly what we are about!
“The ASN funding has also helped give our parents a safe space to come along to every week where they can relax, see their children having fun whilst keeping fit and learning new skills. Plus, it allows them to chat with other adults who can relate often to their experiences.”
Happy 30 years and a huge thank you to the National Lottery – you’re a game changer!