Budding gymnasts in Bridgend took some sporting inspiration from one of Britain’s most successful athletes and London 2012 Board Member, Jonathan Edwards CBE, when he paid a visit to Pencoed Comprehensive School.

On a visit to Wales to meet with the Sports Council for Wales, the former Olympic, Commonwealth and World triple jump champion stopped off to discover the secret ingredient that is getting youngsters in the area back flipping and vaulting to success.

Boys aged four to 18 -years-old from Pencoed Gymnastics Club showcased exactly what they can do in a 15 minute display, followed by a solo performance from Welsh Champion, Ben Dennis.

The Sports Council for Wales has committed funding to the tune of £29,000 to cultivate the talents of gymnastics in Bridgend. Investment has been ploughed into training more coaches to a higher standard in a bid to cope with the demand for the sport at grassroots level .Already, over 400 youngsters who were previously on waiting lists are now actively engaged in the sport.

Recent reports have revealed that the standard of gymnastics across schools in Bridgend, has, and continues to increase. This is partly down to a makeover of PE lessons by the Sports Council. It has stepped in to make sure teachers are more confident in delivering technical sports like gymnastics and that lessons are made fun and engaging for the pupils.

Huw Jones, Chief Executive at the Sports Council for Wales comments:

"Through working closely with Bridgend County Borough Council and Welsh Gymnastics, structures have now been put in place to allow for youngsters taking their first steps into the sport to develop, stay engaged and move through the ranks. It’s vital that we give keen youngsters the best opportunities to succeed, so that they continue to be active into adulthood and maybe some of them will one day represent Wales on the international stage. "

And the proof is in the pudding. former Pencoed Gymnastics Club member now Barry YMCA gymnast, Ben Dennis, is currently the Welsh Champion for both the rings and parallel bars disciplines. A regular in the training squad for the Commonwealth Games, he is a genuine hopeful for Welsh medal success in the future.

Jonathan Edwards, London 2012 Nations and Regions Group Deputy Chair, said:

"We want to see more children and young people getting involved in sport with school facilities open, and coaches to motivate and support them. It’s inspiring to see the quality of gymnastics being delivered in Bridgend and it’s encouraging to witness the area playing its part in ensuring its students and communities embrace the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2012."

Councillor Lyn Morgan, Cabinet Member for Wellbeing at Bridgend County Borough Council, said:

"We have a wealth of sporting talent here in Bridgend County Borough, and are committed to developing athletes of the future.

"With the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games fast approaching, a steering group has been established that is seeking to build upon the area’s sporting heritage, inspire the local community to become more active and encourage residents to embrace the games as a national event."