Parents and coaches have revealed plans to create a new community based acro gymnastics club in West Lothian following a devastating fire that took hold of their home that led to the club’s liquidation.
Astro Gymnastics in Livingston was forced to shut down following a fire in December, leaving around 750 gymnasts without a place to train and around 21 members of staff out of work.
The incident was quickly followed by insolvency proceedings and staff being informed of redundancies. On January 6, members, parents and carers were informed that the club was to be wound down.
Volunteer parents and gymnastics coaches responded quickly to the disappointing news and worked with Scottish Gymnastics, Business Gateway, Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations, Community Enterprise Ltd and local like-minded businesses including Ninth Concept, West Lothian Gymnastics, One Mind Martial Arts and Avondale Gymnastics Club to find solutions and support.
They are now developing a plan for a sustainable new club called Elevate Acro which will operate from multiple sites in West Lothian while the club seeks official charity status and Scottish Gymnastics accreditation and works towards securing facilities of its own.
A spokesperson for Elevate Acro Gymnastics said: “The fire in December took an emotional toll on staff, gymnasts and their families but we couldn’t stand by and do nothing. For many of the gymnasts it was their second home and second family.
“It was their safe place to be themselves, where they felt a sense of community and connection.
“Conscious of the shock and impact many people were experiencing after the fire and then the recent news of the closure, we wanted to act quickly to help staff and gymnasts look to a positive future.
“Elevate Acro will help to ensure that acro gymnastics continues to be a core part of the sports community both within West Lothian and its surrounding areas.
“A strong team and robust governance will be fundamental to achieving our vision to create an uplifting culture that inspires confidence, empowerment, meaningful connections and experiences for all, through acro gymnastics.
“We look forward to sharing more details of our plans in the near future and hugely appreciate all the support we have received to get this far.”
Tracey Brown, Club Development Manager at Scottish Gymnastics, added: “This has been a tough time for those affected by the fire in December and subsequent closure of Astro. It’s great to be involved now in supporting a group of passionate individuals who are working tirelessly to set up the new club and create opportunities for acrobatic gymnastics in West Lothian.
“The Elevate Acro team has been working with us from the start to ensure they have strong governance and comply with operating and safe sport standards. I know they are keen to offer classes as soon as possible to allow gymnasts to enjoy gymnastics again.”
Abbie and John Edmiston own One Mind Martial Arts in Polbeth which will be one of the venues the gymnastics club will use if approved for use by Scottish Gymnastics.
John says: “As parents of a young gymnast and owners of a local business, we’re excited to open our doors to the Elevate Acro team to provide a place for them to grow, learn and reach new heights together.”
To keep up to date with the latest information please follow Elevate Acro on Facebook and Instagram or email [email protected] to register your interest or offer any support to help the club get up and running.
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