Inclusive Gymnastics: A Conversation With Natasha Coates
Here’s why we need to be making gymnastics more inclusive
Gymnastics brings us a world of benefits well beyond those on the surface. Not only is the sport wonderful for enhancing the ability of the body but also explores the ability of the mind. For kids and young adults, there are life lessons to be gained that are simply invaluable as they progress through life.
From strengthened social skills and building confidence to improved cognition and powerful teamwork skills, gymnastics should be a sport that welcomes all into its’ open arms. Gymnastics requires both mental and physical dedication since hours are spent in the gym honing the sport. So how can we ensure the gymnastics environment is one that is welcoming to all?
Check out our current Gymnastics campaign, spearheaded by Natasha herself! We want to ensure you’re doing everything you can to make your gymnastics club one where everyone feels welcome.
The importance of self belief
Elite disability gymnast Natasha Coates doesn’t let her conditions define her. Natasha has competed in disability gymnastics since 2014, after being diagnosed with a rare condition called Mast Cell Activation Syndrome. Hospitalised on average every two weeks, Natasha could let this diagnosis define her. Instead she feels even more encouraged to live her life to the fullest and remain committed to the sport she has always loved. Natasha inspires us to begin the process with self belief. Disability gymnastics has helped her fall in love with the sport again and she believes it can do the same for your young gymnasts.
Fostering close relationships
Working to foster close relationships with your gymnasts is crucial. Understanding students not only as gymnasts but simply as people will help build the trust that is needed to make their sessions as comfortable as they can be. Natasha works closely with her coach Katie at Notts Gymnastics Academy to ensure she is reaching her full potential during training sessions and in turn making gymnastics more inclusive.
The relationship was a journey for both since Katie had never worked with a disability athlete before. Together, the pair fostered trust and honesty in a relationship that would see Natasha bring home medal after medal, thanks to her being facilitated to reach her full potential. From providing altered equipment to offering tailored 1-1 sessions, there are changes you can make no matter the size of your venue or coaching availability you have.
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Support in and out of the gym
Indeed, support both inside the gym and outside in day-to-day life makes all the difference to athletes in disability gymnastics. Having the backing of coaches and loved ones gives a much needed boost when gymnasts are struggling with long hours of training, preparing for competition, or struggling with the uncontrollable factors life throws at them. This dedication is key, as it is the core passion for gymnastics that will drive gymnasts to pull through long sessions and days where motivation is lacking.
The person behind the gymnast
Behind every gymnast, is an ordinary person, with goals, desires and a unique personality. Getting to know this side of your gymnasts is just as important as knowing the environmental accommodations they need during training. Hear some fun facts about Natasha below.
Not only is she an elite disability gymnast with a myriad of titles under her belt, but she is an inspiring figure, determined to live life no matter what she is going through. Her positivity in life and dedication to the sport, is something we can draw great inspiration from, whether you are a gymnastics coach or a young gymnast in training.
Together we can all promote inclusive gymnastics - sport should be accessible for all, so let’s do something about it.
Carmela Caserta
Carmela is our resident Copywriter here at ClassForKids. Her days are filled with pondering the wonder of words, up-cycling them to create something wonderful and swimming in SEO strategy. Outside of the office, she’s buried in fiction novels, invested in edge-of-your-seat crime docs and out with her dog on peaceful woodland walks.
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