A PROMISING young gymnast has been given free access to sports facilities at 1610 to help her progress further in the sport.

Aaliyah Chan, 13, from Highbridge is a leading member of the elite squad at the Monarchs Gymnastics club in Highbridge and British Gymnastics and has represented her club at international gymnastics competitions in Germany.

The 13-year-old performs in gymnastics competitions as part of a pair or a trio which sometimes requires her to lift or support team mates which depends on strength training.

To help her build her strength 1610 is giving Aaliyah free access to the gym facilities at King Alfred Sports Centre in Highbridge as part of the Free Access to sports facilities for National Sports People scheme.

Aaliyah’s mum Donna says that support for young athletes is vital if they are to improve and progress in a highly competitive sport.

"Aaliyah loves gymnastics and is very competitive when it comes to sport," Donna said.

"She performs as part of a pair or trio and will sometimes take the role of the base which means lifting and supporting other team mates.

"This takes a lot of strength which requires specialist training so having free access to a gym will help her enormously.

"Taking Aaliyah to events can be expensive, but we as parents do it because we want to support our children so having any help in this way is very beneficial and greatly appreciated.”

For more information about the FANS scheme call Eleanor Smith at 1610 email Esmith@1610.org.uk or call 03300 581610.