Nikki nails it at International Gymnastics Awards

IT will take no stretch of the imagination to understand why it is Nikki McAlinden has been awarded the community champion award at this year’s International Gymnastics Awards.

Mrs McAlinden, who is the proud proprietor of Mourne Gymnastics based in the Win Industrial Estate in Newry, beat out the competition to have the prestigious title bestowed upon her.

This is owing in no small part to the contributions the Our Lady’s alumni has played in nurturing the grass roots recreational gymnastics scene in both Newry and across the whole of the north.

Such have Nikki’s efforts born fruit that she is the first person from Northern Ireland to have her efforts formally acknowledged by being named community champion of the year.

Whilst having the time, sweat and tears you have spent in cultivating the sport you have dedicated yourself to since your school days dutifully acknowledged is nothing that should downplayed, according to Nikki she has accepted the title of Community Champion of the year on the part of the whole gymnastics community throughout Northern Ireland rather than just herself.

Accepted on part of whole community

“It is not for me, I will take it for the community and everybody” said Nikki “It is just something I do , I just like to help people in the gymnastics community and help them develop their clubs. I will take it for them, it is not for me it is for the community as in the title, Community Champion Award.”

Whilst it will come as no surprise to those who know her regarding why Nikki beat out the other nominees to be named Community Champion of the year, according to the coach acquiring the title came as a complete surprise as she was up against stiff competition from other Gymnastics clubs based in England.        

“They nominated me with the rest of the candidates. There were about five others in the running for it. It was a bit of a surprise for me to be honest. I am the first in Northern Ireland/Ireland to receive the Community Champion Award.

I didn't expect to get it, I wasn't anticipating getting it and when I did get it it was a big surprise but a pleasant surprise.

“When I was up against the rest of the community over in England I didn't think little old me from Northern Ireland would get anything to be honest.     

“They said that it was for all the work that I do here in Northern Ireland for the gymnastics community, running events and being fully inclusive with all the events that I run as well as assisting in expanding the community in Northern Ireland.”

Criteria for award

At the IGA award ceremony, the criteria which a candidate needs to meet in order to be afforded the honour of being named Community Champion of the Year was read out before the crowd, criteria which Nikki fits the bill for in every way. 

The recipient of the award gives their time, energy and expertise not only to their own gymnastics club but to the wider gymnastics family helping others grow, sharing knowledge and contributing to the success of the community around them. Through their selflessness and passion they remind us that gymnastics thrives when we work together.  

The recipient of the award plays a vital role in expanding the IGA community across new regions, their passion to inclusivity and creating opportunities for all levels of gymnastics have left a lasting impact on those around them.

They have been instrumental in building connections, championing participation and ensuring that gymnastics is accessible for everyone regardless of background and experience. Through their leadership they have created events and competitions that bring together gymnastics across their region celebrating the true spirit of the community.  

Recreational Gymnastics

With the title of  Community Champion Award  being bestowed upon her club Nikki shared in the fact that she is optimistic with regards the future of Mourne Gymnastics and that they, as they always have done, will continue to focus on providing a facility for young recreational gymnasts to flex their muscles.                  

“Mourne Gymnastics is going from strength to strength. We have over 120 children, we focus on recreational gymnastics, we provide pathways for children who participate in gymnastics one hour a week.

“This is our main focus, recreational gymnastics. We are not a highly competitive club, we don't aim to be but we just want to provide opportunities for recreational gymnasts to showcase what they can do. Mourne Gymnastics is very much known for their pre-school gymnastics and the fact that we are a developmental club.

“We provide multiple opportunities for others in the community in Northern Ireland. Recently we have expanded into helping clubs within southern Ireland as well. We provide lots of training opportunities and I act as a development officer for IGA in helping clubs develop themselves here in Northern Ireland in particular but I do get calls from clubs in the south as well. My network spreads out across the whole of Northern Ireland. I help clubs from as far north as Coleraine to as far south as Galway at the moment.”