Hounslow’s Sheila A’Bear has been honoured in the inaugural National Safeguarding Recognition Awards from British Gymnastics for her work in safeguarding children.
A’Bear, the official welfare representative of the academy, was honoured for the excellent work she had carried out over the years with children, schools, parents, community and social services, the police and the court system.
In supporting and safeguarding the various members of the academy, A’Bear has frequently gone above and beyond the expectations placed upon her by doubling up with outside agencies to ensure that families receive any necessary support they might need.
“This is a tremendous and well deserved recognition of Sheila’s contribution to the club and club members over an extended period of time,” said John Wotherspoon, the club’s head coach.
“Our club is a very happy place where children and other members feel safe, supported and secure, and this is largely attributed to Sheila’s devotion and her approach, particularly because they feel they can talk to her and confide in her on a range of issues not just about trampolining and sport.
“Sheila is a key member of our club and it is largely because of her that the club has been so successful in retaining so many members over such a long period of time.”
A’Bear, a resident of Hounslow, was presented with her award by the CEO of British Gymnastics, Jane Allen, at a national presentation evening held in Telford.
