Stan Wild

Stan represented Great Britain 38 times,including three European,three World and two Olympic Games. When he retired from competitive gymnastics in 1974,he settled in York and started York City Gymnastics Club.He inspired parents to train as volunteer coaches and the small club became big, gained charitable status and its own premises.It now has over 1800 child members and 80 coaches.Fees are low and tens of thousands of children have benefitted from Stan`s selfless dedication to making gymnastics available to all. Stan is to be found at the gym at all hours, arranging competitions, changing light bulbs or unblocking a toilet.He does all the jobs that no one else will do and stands in when coaches are away.He has no self importance and is treated exactly the same as the other coaches.He is affectionately called `Stan` by all.