Local gymnasts bend over backwards for Barnardos at Olympian ‘Carthweel-athon’

Over 1,900 young local gymnasts in Dublin have helped to raise €4,435 for Ireland’s leading children’s charity Barnardos.

Olympian Gymnastics held their annual ‘Cartwheel-a-thon’ over an 8 week period over the summer months and involved gymnasts ranging in age from 3 to 16 years old.

Since 2016, the group has fundraised for the children’s charity, raising over €99,000.

Olympian Gymnastics is a non-competitive, gymnastics-based movement club that prides itself on social development and interaction through gymnastics programs for children between 18 months to 16 years old.

They conduct over 100 classes a week across five clubs in south Dublin, based in Templeogue, Knocklyon, Ballinteer, Milltown, Greenhills and Rathgar.

Lucas Rodrigues, General Manager at Olympian Gymnastics said “We love fundraising for Barnardos and the amazing kids they support through our annual Cartwheelathon.

“The values Barnardos uphold perfectly resonate with ours – prioritising the well-being of children, fostering community support, and promoting inclusivity regardless of background or ability.

“The kids get super pumped for the fundraiser every year, and they go home excited, telling their families about it and how they’re raising money for a good cause.

“Every Friday at our GymCAMPS, it’s a blast with music, clapping, and fun moves – cartwheels, forward rolls, you name it! Our community is awesome; everyone is always up to support Barnardos and their work. It’s a real source of pride for all of us!”

Mary Gamble Barnardos Director of Fundraising said: “Olympian Gymnastics’ Cartwheel-a-thon is always a really exciting fundraiser for us and the ongoing support from the group ensures we can be there for vulnerable children to help them achieve their full potential.

“At Barnardos we believe childhood lasts a lifetime. We are very grateful to everyone Olympian Gymnastics and to the children and families involved with the group for their valued support.’

Barnardos works with children affected by childhood trauma, including the impact of: poverty; domestic violence; child abuse or neglect; parental mental health issues; separation; bereavement; and parental addiction. They provide practical support like food and fuel vouchers and other basic necessities, as well as vital emotional and therapeutic family support.

How donations help:

• €10 provides a child with a nutritious breakfast for one week at a Barnardos Breakfast Club
• €30 helps children and families attending Barnardos’ services to access all the basic essentials and toiletries they need to stay clean and healthy
• €100 provides 10 hours of learning support for a child to help their reading, writing and communication as they start school