A PROMISING young gymnast from Rhyl has received backing from a social enterprise in the town which has agreed to sponsor her.

Macaya Alsop, 12, will be sponsored by “Rhyl Wings Projects”, a community group which has already raised thousands since being founded last year.

She is the group’s first sponsor, having already won a North Wales regional award and competed at the Women’s Artistic Gymnastics British Espoir Championships in Liverpool.

This followed success at Elite Compulsory 2 last year in Stoke, where she placed 15th overall in the UK and second on the uneven bars.

Macaya began her gymnastics journey in Rhyl and Prestatyn Gymnastics Club, but after it closed its doors, moved to Bangor Gymnastics Club, where she started training in the elite development squad.

She has previously also been selected for the Welsh squad.

READ MORE:

Rhyl gymnast who trains in Bangor to compete in prestigious championships

Steve Ridyard, of Rhyl Wings Projects, said: “Her family always come to our events each year – for a 12-year-old, she’s very, very good at gymnastics!

“She’s got a really promising career ahead of her. She’s a fantastic person; a lovely little girl.

“When we went to her house, and offered to sponsor her at her events, her mum was crying. We’ve never sponsored anyone before; they were so grateful.

“We’ll do as much as we can to support her. We’re on the right track (to keep growing as a social enterprise), and I think this is definitely the start of something. We’re just trying to change lives.”

Rhyl Wings Projects holds an annual Christmas Eve community event in the town to support the homeless and vulnerable with presents, refreshments and much more, at St Thomas’ Church.

On August 19, it will host a similar summer event at the same location.