NE Sports Clubs in demand following Team GB success
The ‘Tinkler Effect’ spreads across the North East.
It’s hoped Team GB's success in Rio will help unearth the next generation of sporting stars in the North East.
Despite the games being over, there’s no sign of Olympic fever slowing down in our region with many children saying they’ve been hit by the ‘Tinkler Effect’.
One youngster told us:
“When I watch the Olympics, I say I can do that and I want to try and do that.”
Another said:
“Because Amy is so young, I think if I train and I put my mind to it I can do that too.”
The 16-year-old gymnast from County Durham picked up a bronze in the floor exercise.
Since then, clubs tell us more and more people are calling up to sign their kids up.
Newcastle Gymnastics Academy are taking in up to 40 new enquiries every day, compared to just three or four.
Karen Chapman, Chief Exec, said:
“It’s all down to the Olympics and the success of Amy Tinkler.
“You get more and more children wanting to do gymnastics and work hard. They see the success that Amy has had and they want to do the same thing.”
Paula Thomas represented Team GB in Sydney in 2000. She now heads up artistic gymnastics at the club. Paula said:
“If your dream is big enough and you’re willing to work hard enough, anybody can make it. I love that and I love to inspire the kids to say you know what that is just through pure hard work and determination.
“They’re watching it on TV and they come in and say oh I’ve seen someone do this, can I do this? Can I try that? Having someone on your doorstep winning and medal, especially since they know her to talk to, it’s great. Everyone is so happy.”