Creating Change Through Kindness and Cartwheels: Our Club's Tourette’s Story

Posted Fri 1st Aug 2025 at 11:21 by Pippa McClounan

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At Invoke Gymnastics Club, we recently witnessed just how powerful a united community can be.

One of our young members had recently been diagnosed with Tourette syndrome. As their complex motor tics became more noticeable, they began to feel increasingly embarrassed and isolated. They would twirl uncontrollably into other gymnasts, fall to the floor, and constantly apologise for bumping into their friends. The stares and whispered conversations began to take their toll, and they started to feel very alone.

Then came the swearing. This brave young gymnast became terrified—afraid of being told off, of upsetting someone, or being seen as a “bad kid.” They didn’t want to leave the house, and that’s when we knew something had to change.

We realised we had an incredible opportunity—not just to support one child, but to reach hundreds more. We partnered with Tourettes Action UK, took the time to listen and learn, and transformed our club into a place of awareness and inclusion.

We filled our waiting area with balloons, lights, bunting and posters, and handed out informative flyers to educate families about Tourette syndrome. But our proudest moment came with our “Tumble for Tourette’s” fundraiser.

We wanted to get people talking—and thinking—about Tourette’s. Every child was sent home with a sponsorship form and encouraged to choose a gymnastics skill they could repeat safely in one minute. From our tiniest Gym Tots (just 18 months old!) to our senior squad gymnasts, everyone joined in. Coaches timed the skills during sessions and families proudly rallied behind the cause.

The result was extraordinary. Not only did we raise over £3,300 for Tourettes Action, but the stares turned into smiles, and the questions became kinder. Our member now trains three times a week in their happy place, surrounded by understanding teammates who see them, support them, and stand with them.

Our club has become a true hub of inclusion—and it's the children who are leading the way. Our young gymnast now has an army of allies, making sure they know it's more than okay to be different. It’s something to be celebrated.

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