A Letter from the Davis'

Below is a letter from a parent regarding the 40th Birthday Celebrations which they could not attend.  I promised I would share it with everyone and have only now finally posted it online.   - Iain

Firstly, although my wife and I (Evelyn and Yorkland -Conrad's parents) are across the Atlantic Ocean from you, our thoughts and feelings of achievements are with you all in celebrating the 40th birthday of Falcon Spartak Gymnastics Club. The club means a great deal to us as a family, and has been significant; and pivotal in Conrad's and other gymnasts gymnastics achievements.

Brief personal comment: 

Conrad joined the club after his school (Marlborough) recommended it to us approximately, twelve years ago after both my wife and I were mentally, physically and psychologically exhausted in the provision of care for him. Conrad was diagnosed with severe learning disability, hyperactivity, poor concentration span and with very complex needs. He is unable to read, write or understand basic numeracy. We used to get dizzy just watching him move around the home. He was like a tsunami and would not adhere to the simplest of instructions. However, he has a wonderful, warm loving personality who demonstrates empathy and concern for others. He is always jovial and polite.

At home when asked to do the simplest of tasks, he would reply firmly, "I am NOT doing it." Before Conrad commenced the club Kay was fully briefed regarding his hyperactivity and agreed to have him. When we returned to collect him after his first lesson we noticed the coaches- Kay, Anne and Rose wiping their brows and much more tired than Conrad. I remember Rose saying that "he is like a whirlwind." She wondered how we managed.

However, within about a months coaching he was a completely different child being co-operative and adhering to Rose's instructions. If she said, "sit down Conrad" he sat. "Conrad go and help put away the equipment" he unquestionable complied. In time we noticed a lovely rapport/bonding developing between Rose and Conrad. He was more attentive, co-operative and marked reduced hyperactive and surprisingly he began to win gold medals at competitions. He always spoke very fondly and respectfully of Rose who, along with the club in general, has effectively influenced positive change in conrad.

General comment:

I would like to use this opportunity on behalf of all the parents/carers in expressing our sincere gratitude, appreciation and value to the existing coaching team-Rose, Anne, Iain and Nicola and past coaches Jacqui and Lee so admirably lead by Kay. In addition, many thanks to John and Craig who have regularly volunteered to drive parents/gymnasts to competitions in Poole, Leicester etc. 

In conclusion, I would like to echo the voices of all parents to say a SPECIAL THANK YOU to Kay-the Head Coach, who enables the club to be well known and respected. Personally, I have always admired the patience, tolerance, commitment and flexibility shown by the coaching team. Falcon Spartak Gymnastics Club is built on a family/parents/carers milieu and offers every gymnasts hope in acquiring sound gymnastics skills and support.

Finally, I will raise my glass - rum and coke - in celebration of the remarkable 40th birthday. HAPPY BIRTHDAY AND WELL DONE. See you all at the end of April 2014 when the weather is warmer.

Best wishes,
Yorkland and Evelyn Davis
(Conrad's parents)