Earls Gymnastic Club in line for cash boost after Olympics (From Halesowen News)

Earls Gymnastic Club in line for cash boost after Olympics

1:10pm Thursday 23rd August 2012 in News

EARLS Gymnastic Club could be in line for a cash windfall and London 2012 equipment after the success of Kristian Thomas at the Olympics.

The club, which has been struggling financially despite its success due to a lack of funding, has applied for a slice of Halesowen Area Committee community cash.

Hayley Green and Cradley South Councillor Ken Turner is backing a bid to get a £9,000 capital allocations grant so the club can buy equipment used during the games.

Cllr Turner said: “Kristian Thomas’ bronze medal shows that Halesowen is the Olympic jewel in the crown of Dudley borough and we need to do everything we can to get the club more money.

“They have the once in the lifetime opportunity to buy Olympic standard gym equipment and I have helped put a grant application for over £9,000 which I really hope is successful.”

He added: “It is up to the council to ensurethat the London 2012 legacy is not wasted and we have to step in and help clubs like the Earls who do fantastic work with our youngsters.

“After all, this club has 400 kids on the waiting list and has several youngsters in the GB set up, they have to be supported.”

Olympic bronze medalist Kristian Thomas believes the club needs more funding to survive and thrive.

He said: “This club has struggled over the years and hopefully this will be a turning point in getting funding and sponsors and make it a bit easier for the club to be run.”

Earls Gymnastic Club will find out next week if they have been successful.