TWO members of the Falcon Spartak Gymnastics Club have been called up for Great Britain's squad for the first International Rhythmic Gymnastics event for competitors with disabilities in Belgium in March, writes Gordon Law.

Mandy Pullen, from Orpington, and Sidcup's Hannah Gibson, who both attend Bromley College, have only been taking part in rhythmic gymnastics for a very short time and are both members of the England national squad.

Rythmic gymnastics is a new addition to the Gymnastics and Movement for People with Disabilities programme, organised by British Gymnastics. It has opened up a whole new arena for people with either a learning or physical disability to be involved in colourful ribbons, balls, hoops and ropes and working with music seems to bring out hidden talents in many of the youngsters.

Falcon have been involved with the complete programme for People with Disabilities for many years and produced several national champions but works with mainstream gymnastics as well.

If you are interested in seeing more of the rhythmic work performed at the club, based at Hurstmere School in Sidcup, or in the artistic gymn- astics programme worked for both disabilities and mainstream, then call 01689 874241 or 07947 004225.

December 31, 2001 10:30