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My name is Gareth and I am 8 years old. 
I’m the one in the wheelchair. My brother Chris is 5 and is kneeling in the front row. This is ‘Rowan Gymnastics Display Team’ who represented GB in the world gymnastics festival in July 2007. When I was 3 my mum saw an article in the newspaper. Rowan Gymnastics Club was offering lessons for disabled children. So, I joined along with 4 friends who have Cerebal Palsy and Downs
Syndrome. I have Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus. We learnt to tumble, use the beam, the trampet, the high bars and control balls, ribbons and hoops. It was great fun.
Two years ago Dave Powell (our coach) asked if I would like to join the display team. It is mixed ability and mixed age but very dedicated. We learnt an 8 minute routine to the ‘War of the Worlds’ soundtrack. We performed twice in the London Festival and were then selected to join the British team going to Austria this year. 
You would not believe it! There were 22,000 gymnasts from 56 countries all in the same place for a week. When we performed everybody cheered and we were very proud of ourselves. I enjoyed meeting lots of people who spoke different languages. They kept patting me on the head and giving me badges and hats. Austria is a beautiful place with lots of lovely food and cable cars that go up to the mountains. It was brilliant! Oh yes, did I tell you? I am the first wheelchaired gymnast to represent our country at the Gymnaestrada ever.
By Gareth Picken.
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