Manx Sport and Recreation, in conjunction with the Island’s Special Educational Needs (SEN) Units and Ellan Vannin Gymnastics Club has provided a series of Disability Gymnastics sessions to both primary and secondary students with learning and/or physical disabilities. Through the generous support of Barclays Wealth and Isle of Man Sport, Ellan Vannin Gymnastic Club has facilitated between four and six consecutive weeks of disability gymnastic sessions to more than 80 children in both primary and secondary SEN Units. These disability gymnastic sessions will now be included within the annual Disability School Sports Programme. Children will have the opportunity to take part in further Gymnastic Sessions during their next school year. Hon David Cretney MHK, Minister for Community, Culture and Leisure commented: ‘It is important that children of all ages and abilities take part in physical exercise and this is a great initiative for children to participate in. Gymnastics is the perfect sport to encourage and engage children in a healthy lifestyle, and my Department is extremely grateful to Barclays Wealth and IoM Sport for their ongoing support that makes it possible to extend our disability sports programme.’ The weekly gymnastic sessions have given children many physical, cognitive and psychological benefits. Gymnastics contributes to the development of physical and motor skills. It can help improve strength, endurance, agility, balance, flexibility, power and co-ordination. In particular, it is said that the bouncing nature of trampolining and jumping is particularly therapeutic for children with high functioning autism. Research suggests participating in movement education can help to improve longer attention spans and self esteem. It can help to promote continued participation in physical activity. The physical and psychological benefits that have been obtained by these weekly gymnastic sessions will help encourage children to continue with sport in their future lives. The children’s confidence and self esteem has greatly improved and their activity levels have improved dramatically. For more information please contact: Zoe Carney – Disability Sports Development Officer: Zoe.Carney@gov.im /Tel: 688575. -Ends-