IT was smiles all round for gymnasts in Workington as the town's team gathered for an 'emotional day' celebrating all the best of the club - and honouring a much-loved member of the West Cumbrian athletics community.
Workington Gymnastics Club held their first ever programme presentation day at the Workington Sports Centre on Saturday, January 20.
The event began with a performance from the club's senior gymnasts who also coach, with head coach Bethan Lishman saying that 'the atmosphere that was set from this was incredible'.
Bethan said: "All the coaches received a trophy for coach of the year because without each and every one our programme would not be as successful as it is."
In total there was 78 trophies for categories including: Happiest Gymnast, Rising Star Awards, Most improved Gymnast, Female gymnast of the year, Male gymnast of the year, Special Achievement award and Allerdale gymnast of the year.
A special award was given out which was the Jan Lishman memorial trophy. This award was created in honour of Bethan's late mum and popular member of the West Cumbrian athletics community Jan Lishman, who died in August last year following a short battle with cancer.
Bethan believes Jan 'would be beaming with pride' to see the young gymnasts being recognised by the community, with over 400 tickets sold for the event and £866 raised to go towards new gymnastics equipment.
Ms Lishman said: "What a day. So emotional but so worth it to see the look on the gymnasts' faces when they collected their awards.
"I am incredibly proud to be the head coach of such an amazing team and you gymnasts, literally, you make me so incredibly and immensely proud of each and every one of you.
"A special thanks to my team. Without them I am simply nothing. You all go above and beyond and are forever delivering excellence in everything you do. A huge thankyou to Louise and Emma for running the raffle. A huge thankyou to my family who endlessly support me and my club.
"To mum, I hope today you saw how much we all miss you and are proud of everything you achieved."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here