World-record-breaking attempt to help Honiton gymnasts' international fund
Honiton could be the home of a new world record next weekend as gymnasts from Honiton Gym Club attempt to break the world record for completing the most number forward rolls in one minute.
The event, on Saturday 4 May - which will also include a further challenge to complete 1,000 backflips in 30 minutes - is being held to help raise funds for gymnasts attending the Geneva International Acrobatics Cup.
"It should be a fun and exciting event," said high performance coach James Reddy. "We're expecting gymnasts, coaches, mum's, dad's, brothers, sisters, friends and even some grandparents to have a go at breaking the world record for forward rolls. It currently stands at 69 in 1 minute - so we're expecting some dizzy participants at the end of the afternoon. We're following strict criteria and videoing everyone that takes part so that we can send the best attempts to Guinness World Records for official verification."
All entrants will pay £1 to enter, and all proceeds will go towards the travel costs of those representing the club in Switzerland at the Geneva International Acrobatics Cup at the end of May The challenge is open to anyone, so Honiton Gym Club is encouraging as many people as possible to get involved.
In addition to the forward roll challenge, Honiton's international acrobats will also be taking part in a sponsored backflip event. As the walking distance from Honiton to Geneva is 1,000 km, the 15 gymnasts will attempt to perform 1,000 backflips in just 30 minutes.
"Some of our gymnasts can perform more than 10 backflips in a row, I'm confident that they can complete the challenge, but they'll certainly be tired at the end of it," added James. "The main thing is that they raise a good amount of money to help make their trip possible, so I'd encourage as many people as possible to come and support them...and possibly get their names in the record books!"
Among the gymnast gong to Geneva are recent British men's pairs bronze medallists Buster Tutcher and Ashley Wallis, a host of gymnasts that recently competed at the British Championships, and other performers from the club's acrobatics squads.
Anyone wishing to join in the fun and either attempt to break the forward roll world record or watch the sponsored backflip event is welcome to join Honiton's gymnasts in the dance studio at Honiton Leisure Centre on Saturday 4 May at 1pm. The event will continue until approximately 3pm.
