The hard work, dedication and success of a Perth gymnastics club owner has been recognised.
Lisa Bott, head coach and owner at Breadalbane Terrace-based ACE Gymnastics, is in the running for a top honour at the upcoming Scottish Gymnastics Awards.
She is on the shortlist for the Spirit of Gymnastics award - alongside Laura Ytre-Eide and Sommer Dean - for her fantastic contribution to the sport.
“I was totally shocked,” Lisa told the PA this week.
“It is a nice feeling to know that somebody has thought of you and taken the time to nominate you.
“We started with six children in our class and we have around 180 weekly in the club now.”
Lisa was a gymnast herself and, when she stopped competing, was keen to give back to the sport.
“I think I was 17 when I went into coaching,” Lisa explained.
“I absolutely loved gymnastics and couldn’t see my life without it. So I’ve never left the gym.
“The only time I haven’t been coaching is when twice I was on maternity leave.
“We have always been an after-school club but, about a month ago, we started pre-school classes from zero to five years. We’re now open during the day too.
“I think the next step for the club will be to obtain a bigger premises because we’re starting to outgrow where we are just now.”
The Scottish Gymnastics Awards will take place at the Village Hotel in Edinburgh on November 5 and will be hosted by radio presenter and TV personality Arlene Stuart.
“The awards has turned into a bit of a team night out and there should be nine of us going along,” Lisa smiled.
“I’m sure I will be up against well-established clubs and coaches, but the nomination is acceptance for us and is a big deal to be going to an event like this.”
A shortlist of nominees has been revealed by Scottish Gymnastics for 11 prestigious awards. The finalists “embody the spirit of gymnastics, showing their dedication, commitment and enthusiasm in the sport.”
Scottish Gymnastics CEO, Doc McKelvey, said: “Our annual awards are the perfect opportunity to celebrate the strength of our clubs, coaches, volunteers and gymnasts who make the Scottish Gymnastics community so incredible.
“The response we have seen over the last year has been great, and I have been delighted to see the level of great gymnastics being delivered across the country.
“We are thrilled to have GymData return as the awards sponsor for this year and appreciate the continued support from Robert and his team.”
