There were many successes in the GOGA in Fife programme, supported bySpirit of 2012, that will have a long lasting effect on the way Disability Sport Fife (SCIO) delivers services to its members. A key objective of the GOGA programme was to increase the range and quality of inclusive active recreation opportunities that are offered to participants with additional support needs across Fife. One GOGA initiative involved working closely with mainstream sports clubs and one of the first clubs to sign up was the Enigma gymnastics club that is based in the Levenmouth area.
Enigma Gymnastics Club is an impressive community club serving learners of all levels of ability. The club has a committed head coach, very enthusiastic Trustees and an impressive team of coaches and volunteers. Over the years the club has built up an excellent stock of equipment and developed a strong relationship with Fife Council. The school based club facilities are more than fit for purpose and have served successive generations of learners.
The GOGA in Fife team met with key Enigma personnel and a plan of action agreed that involved a series of practical workshops to help volunteers with inclusive practice and delivery. Initially sessions were specifically established for learners with ASN but the model in 2020 involves learners being allocated slots appropriate to their availability and abilities.
Governing Body registrations are expensive and grant aid was negotiated withKirkcaldy & Central Fife Sports Council to keep down costs. In the early years there was a specific emphasis on learners with Down Syndrome but more recently gymnasts with a range of conditions have signed up.
The Enigma/GOGA in Fife programme has been running for more than three years and some of the highlights of 2019 are as follows:
75% of the gymnasts with ASN took part in the Enigma floor and vault club championships. This involved learning to sequence floor skills and perfect and refine vaults practiced in class. Gymnasts either competed in the championships or were judged in class, if it was felt the event would be too overwhelming.
At the club championships each award category was sponsored by local companies. Boogie Bounce sponsored the Parallel Award for gymnasts with ASN. The award was presented to the gymnast with additional support needs who had demonstrated most progress in their gymnastics skills over the previous term.
50% of learners took part in the 8th Annual Enigma Birthday Celebration Festival. This event involves all gymnasts coming together in their class groups to perform in front of a sold out audience of over 300 spectators. The individual groups create themed routines to music.
All gymnasts with ASN will be taking part in the British Gymnastics proficiency scheme. This involves learning new skills and being tested at the end of each term.
The Enigma experience has been hugely positive and the young learners and their families are very much part of the overall club culture. The Enigma club is listed as a sport specific session on the Disability Sport Fife programme of weekly sessions that run throughout the year.
Gymnastic enquiries to the DSF office are directed to the Enigma club and the Head Coach and her very inclusive team of volunteers take over. The Enigma club model was the first set up by GOGA in Fife and provided a blueprint for other club partnerships that evolved between 2016 and 2019. Over the next few weeks I shall post articles outlining their progress and experiences. GOGA supported by Spirit of 2012 made it all possible.
Richard Brickley OBE MBE Chairman DSF (SCIO) Board of Charity Trustees