page revision date : 12th December 2008
Rhianne raises the bar in gymnastics performance
Rhianne Cole is a very experienced competitor with the Pembrokeshire Special Needs Gymnastics Club and is now putting her knowledge and skills to good effect as she has started helping out with some coaching.
Club coach Jean Jones is understandably delighted by this step and says that Rhianne is already doing a great job in teaching newcomers the basic skills like how to do proper forward and backward roles – and is hoping that Rhianne can soon take the Level One course for assistant coaches.
Founder member
Rhianne is a founder member of the Milford Haven-based gymnastics club and after taking to it quickly she successfully competes in the categories for vault, beam, ‘A’ bars and floor, having done well throughout the time that the Rotary Club have held their annual competitions.
She gained a place in the Welsh Disability Gymnastics team for the Special Olympics held in 2005 in Glasgow and came back with four medals, to the delight of parents Sue and Steven, who were there to cheer on Rhianne and the rest of the local youngsters involved.
Best events are difficult ones
Her best events are the difficult ones of beam and ‘A’ bars and such is her dedication and skill levels that she has already been selected for the next Special Olympics, which are scheduled to take place in Leicester in 2009. This is despite the fact that she has suffered injuries which have reduced her mobility at times since she broke a leg in an accident and her wrist at Gym Club – but which she has bravely overcome to continue in her chosen sport.
High praise from Jean
Jean Jones said of Rhianne, “We are lucky to have someone of Rhianne’s calibre who not only wants to participate but help out in coaching – and we are sure to hear a lot more about her involvement over the years.” It is a great compliment from someone like Jean who is so heavily involved and we could pay Rhianne no higher tribute – but can add a huge well done for her success as the recipient of the ‘Female Disability Sport Achievement Award’ for 2008!
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