Carlisle’s Sands Centre has won a national gymnastics award.
It was named Official Delivery Partner Venue of the Year in the 2026 British Gymnastics Awards and recognises its commitment to providing high-quality experiences for athletes.
It was the second year in a row it won the award.
The Sands Centre and its operators GLL were praised for its pledge to create uplifting opportunities for everyone, delivering Rise Gymnastics programmes to an exceptional standard.
Over the last year, the Rise Gymnastics programme has been delivered to over 380 children and more than 800 schoolchildren.
New SEND classes were launched to support children with additional needs and the British Gymnastics Foundation’s Love to Move programme was introduced – a
seated gymnastics programme designed to improve cognitive function, physical mobility, and emotional well-being in older adults, particularly those living with dementia and Parkinson’s.
Recently, the club hosted its first Rise Gymnastics competition, providing youngsters with the opportunity to showcase their skills, build confidence and perform.
Tim Bestford, GLL head of service, said: “For The Sands Centre to win at the British Gymnastics Awards for the second year running is a ringing endorsement of our national Rise Gymnastics programme and the tremendous opportunity it’s giving to our local youth community in Carlisle, Cumbria and across the UK.
“The Sands Centre team and GLL’s National Gymnastic specialists brings passion, pride and dedication to serving local people every single day –
raising the bar on standards and excellence. Special thanks go to Chloe, Abbie, Tracey, Rob and Olivia, along with the wider centre team, for their outstanding work, commitment and energy.”
