We were utterly inspired to read about a project in Redditch, here in the UK, that is bringing the possibility of participating in gymnastics into reality for disabled children.

The project, organised by Redditch YMCA, is to be run in conjunction with Redditch Special Olympics.

The once weekly sessions will give the disabled youngsters, between the ages of five and thirteen years, the opportunity to obtain their BAGA Cadge awards and even potentially compete in special Olympics gymnatics tournaments around the UK.

We think this is an amazing opportunity for the youngsters to take part in a sport that's notonly socially satisfying and fun, but that enhances discipline and both mental and physical strength. What's more impressive is the fact that the sessions will cost only £1.50 per week, making this an affordable class as well.

For anyone in the Redditch area who is interested in the classes, the contact is Darren Veness, at darren.veness@redditchymca.org.uk.

The U.S women's gymnastics team were disappointed with their fourth place position at the Sydney Olympics in 2000. They felt very much as though they were capable of more - capable indeed of reaching the medal places. But it wasn't to be.

However, the team, who have since then grown up, obtained degrees, married and made all manner of other lifestyle changes, have just received bronze medals for their performance a decade ago.

No, they haven't started handing out consolation medals! However, in April of this year, it was deemed that they'd actually finished in third place back at the event some ten years ago. It wasn't a miscalculation that led to the oversight. Instead it was a decision many years after the event to disqualify third place team, China, when it emerged that they had used an underage participant.

Well, better late than never, you might argue!

This year's winners of reality show, 'Britain's Got Talent,' were 'Spelbound.' The group of high adenalin acrobatic gymnasts took the nation by storm with their spectacular (and somewhat risky) routines that seemingly tested the boundary of what was physically possible to achieve with the human body.

However, not satisfied with their winning cash prize and subsequent place in the next Royal Variety Performance, the troupe have set their sights on the Olympics. There's just one problem - their specific sport, Acrobatic Gymnastics, is not yet included in the Olympics.

While many varieties of gymnastics are of course on the bill, this particular type is not. This disappoints the troupe to say the least. But they're certainly not down and out about it. Instead, they have been campaigning for years for the sport to be included and it's hoped that their hard work will eventually pay off.

The difference between a sport being an Olympic sport and not? Well... a LOT of money. At present, Acrobatic Gymnasts will have to find a way to fund everything themselves - from their gym wear, to their fees, to their competition travel costs. Certain elite Olympic athletes qualifty for Government support.

But of course it isn't just a question of money.Spelbound simply want to compete on the greatest stage of all - the Olympics.

And why shouldn't they? Acrobatic Gymnastics is physically demanding, thoroughly entertaining and certainly deserving of a place in the Olympics.

Not convinced? Check out Spelbound's winning performance on this year's 'Britain's Got Talent.'

The Zone brings you the finest in gymnastics wear, all designed to be robust, great looking, performance clothing.

We're now pleased to launch the blog, which will bring you news, reviews and profiles from the prolific world of gymnastics.

While we start gathering all the latest news and reviews, why not check out behind the scenes at last season's catalogue photo shoot?