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End of an era for disabled gymnastics competition
Marcus White , South of England
BBC Veronica smiles in a gym. She wears a pink gymnastics vest and has tied-back brown hair and glasses.
Veronica, 11, said the event was "a chance to shine"

A gymnastic competition for people with disabilities may have come to an end after 26 years.

The annual event welcomed competitors from across Europe to Poole, Dorset, over the weekend.

However, organisers Kay Salter MBE and Dave Balmer, both aged in their 80s, have decided to step down.

Balmer said they were both "incredibly proud" to see the gymnasts' progress over the years and hoped the event would continue under new leadership.

He said: "When we started this competition in 2000, we simply wanted to give lower-level disability gymnasts the chance to compete and enjoy the sport they love.

"We never imagined it would still be going more than 25 years later.

"What means the most to me is seeing competitors who first walked through our doors as young children now taking part in the adult categories."

A close-up of Kay Salter in a gym. She has a white polo shirt and has short white hair and glasses.
Organiser Kay Salter MBE said she was "very, very emotional" at her final event

Salter said she felt "very, very emotional" at the final event.

"I don't want it to be the end," she said.

"It's been such a tremendous success that gymnasts are already asking me, 'When's the competition next year?' and I can't tell them."

About 100 gymnasts took part in the Poole Disabled Open Gymnastics Competition at Rossmore Leisure Centre, which was originally funded by BBC Children in Need.

Veronica, 11, who performed a floor routine, said: "One day when I grow up, I can show all other disability people just like me that they can do anything.

"It's important for other people to have a chance to shine."

Kay Salter presents a medal to a female gymnast in front of other athletes and judges in a gym.
The annual event has been running since the year 2000

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