Page 44 - Lion Oct Nov 2016

GB Gymnast James Tatterton
Leeds-based gymnast James Tatterton is hoping to raise £2,000 to attend the World Age Group Championships in 2017. He is hoping to compete at the international event, but is having to raise money himself because tumbling is a self-funded sport.
On Monday 15th of August at a Club meeting at the Bridge Hotel Walshford, Lion President Mike Earle was delighted to present young James Tatterton with a cheque for £700, in recognition of his outstanding achievements in the field of the gymnastic sport of tumbling (see photograph). James, with his parents Stuart and Carol present, showed the Lions a video clip of his impressive technical skills. He went on
to say that he trains four times a week at Wakefield – a big
commitment for James and his parents.
The £2,000 target has been set because of a breakdown of costs from British Gymnastics. The trip itself would cost James around £1,300, with a four day training camp and two training weekends adding £392 to the cost. James would also have to buy his own Great Britain kit, which would
cost around £300.
James’ long-term aim is to represent Team GB at the Olympics, and the Lions have no doubt that this talented and modest young man, judging by his determination and dedication to his sport, is on
course to achieve that aim – encouraged, no doubt,
by the recent Double Gold success by gymnast Max Whitlock at the Rio Olympics. Tumbling is not yet a recognized Olympic sport, but there are hopes that it might be added in the not too distant future. Wetherby Lions wish James every success in the future.
His mother, Helen, set up the campaign, and explained her desire to see James compete:
“Being selected to represent your country is the ultimate honour for a sportsperson and it would be very disappointing for James and for us if we could not send him due to financial constraints.”
October/November 2016
www.lionsclubs.co
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