End of an era for disabled gymnastics competition
BBCA gymnastic competition for people with disabilities may have come to an end after 26 years.
The annual event welcomed competitors from across Europe to Poole, Dorset, over the weekend.
However, organisers Kay Salter MBE and Dave Balmer, both aged in their 80s, have decided to step down.
Balmer said they were both "incredibly proud" to see the gymnasts' progress over the years and hoped the event would continue under new leadership.
He said: "When we started this competition in 2000, we simply wanted to give lower-level disability gymnasts the chance to compete and enjoy the sport they love.
"We never imagined it would still be going more than 25 years later.
"What means the most to me is seeing competitors who first walked through our doors as young children now taking part in the adult categories."
Salter said she felt "very, very emotional" at the final event.
"I don't want it to be the end," she said.
"It's been such a tremendous success that gymnasts are already asking me, 'When's the competition next year?' and I can't tell them."
About 100 gymnasts took part in the Poole Disabled Open Gymnastics Competition at Rossmore Leisure Centre, which was originally funded by BBC Children in Need.
Veronica, 11, who performed a floor routine, said: "One day when I grow up, I can show all other disability people just like me that they can do anything.
"It's important for other people to have a chance to shine."
