Julie Grant

Julie is the head coach of Shetland Gymnastics, which she set up six years ago, started with 30 children. Through the hard work and determination this club has grown to 176 children and a further 90 on the waiting list. Starting off from 1 lesson a week the club is now up to 7 classes. Julie attends every one. From this the club now has 8 UKCC level coaches of which I am one. Having never taught gymnastics before, Julie has motivated and encouraged me to achieve this in 6 months Julie solely organises and choreographs a group of gymnasts to go Gymfest, a three day event each year. This takes up three months of her time each year. Being at this event is a big development in all the childrens confidence. My own daughter has been twice and her school have commented in her reports that she has blossomed since being at this event. On top of this Julie has been on the organising committee from day one and is the main driver of all the fundraising activities, as well as approaching sponsors and local government for grant aid. All of this is done by a mother of three kids with a full time job, who still has all that normal life throws at her, always with a smile and kind word It would be fair to say that without Julie there would be no Gymnastics at all in the Shetland Islands. She is a true inspiration to all the kids in the club and has been responsible for so many achieveing all that they can.