Popular city gymnastic event wows Lord Mayor

Picture caption: The Lord Mayor of Leeds Cllr David Congreve, the Lady Mayoress Janet Harper JP and the Leeds Children’s Mayor, Amy Eckworth-Jones, had a fantastic time at Leeds Gymfest 2015.



An annual event held in the city showcasing the talent and skills of over 700 gymnasts has been given the civic seal of approval.



The Leeds Gymfest 2015, which this year was held at Leeds Beckett University, was again a tremendous success, and joining around 1300 proud parents, grandparents and other supporters to watch a brilliant show by youngsters of all ages over two sessions was the city’s Lord Mayor, Cllr David Congreve and the Lady Mayoress, Janet Harper JP.



On hand to help the Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress present a number of medals and awards at the event which was organised by the Leeds Gymnastic Club, was none other than the Leeds Children’s Mayor, Amy Eckworth-Jones who a keen gymnast herself, also performed on the day. In what was also a real treat for the gymnasts and crowd, also in attendance was British, European and Commonwealth Games medallist, Hannah Whelan.



Last week the Leeds Gymnastic Club also held their annual awards dinner which celebrated the many successes of the club and its gymnasts and volunteers over the previous 12 months, and present to award a number of prizes was again the Leeds Children’s Mayor, Amy.



The Lord Mayor of Leeds, Councillor David Congreve said:



"It was a real honour to be able to present medals and awards at this year’s Leeds Gymfest event, which is an amazing celebration of our young gymnastic talent.



"Amy, who is this year’s Leeds Children’s Mayor, is also a very keen gymnast, and it was brilliant that in between presenting awards, she also had a chance to take part in the show.



"The skills that the youngsters showed on the day really were tremendous, and I certainly would not be surprised if in the future some of them go on to perform at the highest levels of the sport."



The Leeds Children’s Mayor, Amy Eckworth-Jones said:



"Winning the Leeds Children's Mayor role was an incredible achievement for me, as I also train 15 hours a week at Leeds Gymnastics Club. I have been in to gymnastics since I was 5 and a half years old and have taken part in Gymfest many times.



"This year was made extra special by me being able to present the awards to the winning clubs as the Leeds Children's Mayor. Combining the two by being both the Leeds Children’s Mayor and a gymnast was an experience I will never forget. I was honoured and extremely proud."



For media enquiries, please contact;

Colin Dickinson, Leeds City Council press office (0113) 39 51578

Email: colin.dickinson@leeds.gov.uk