03. Dezember 2013  
London  
Artistic Gymnastics

BG: Sir John Major becomes British Gymnastics Patron

Sir John Major (GBR)

British Gymnastics (BG) is delighted to announce that The Rt Hon Sir John Major KG CH has agreed to become the next Patron of the organisation. Sir John, who was British Prime Minister from 1990 to 1997, takes over the title following the passing of previous Patron the Earl of Gainsborough in 2012. Sir John's Government launched the National Lottery since which sport – both grassroots and elite – has received more than £4.4 billion in Lottery funding, something that has proved pivotal in the heralded success of British Olympic sports in recent years, and particularly enabled British Gymnastics to  aspire to and attain Olympic Medals in London 2012 .

Since the historic medal winning Olympic performances of 2012 which saw our men’s artistic team claim bronze, Max Whitlock pommel bronze, Louis Smith MBE pommel silver and Beth Tweddle MBE bars bronze, British gymnasts have continued to shine in 2013 with numerous European Champions in acrobatic gymnastics, World Champions in trampoline and tumbling and continued European and World medal winning success in the artistic disciplines.

Sir John Major said:  “Gymnastics is a thrilling sport that is rapidly growing in popularity.  Its elite performances require great skill and dedication, and I – for one – marvel at their ability. But Gymnastics is not only for the highly skilled.  It is a wonderful sport that can be enjoyed by anyone who wishes to keep fit, especially the young.  I am delighted and honoured to become Patron of British Gymnastics.”
British Gymnastics President, Alan Sommerville OBE said: “My wife and I were privileged to sit with Sir John and his wife Dame Norma during the London 2012 Olympic gymnastics events. They both showed such enthusiasm and support for our competitors, that the Board of Directors were encouraged to write to Sir John inviting him to consider becoming the Patron of British Gymnastics. BG is delighted and hugely honoured to be able to confirm that Sir John has accepted our invitation to become the next Honorary non-executive Patron of British Gymnastics. Sir John has already expressed a keen interest in attending future UK gymnastics events insofar as his many other commitments allow.”
* source: British Gymnastics