Gym rules 'singling out' Down's syndrome children

Parents of children with Down's syndrome have accused a gym of discriminating against them by disproportionately targeting safety rules at those with visible signs of the condition.

Families said they were ordered to leave birthday parties and toddler sessions at Spennymoor's South Durham Gymnastics Club unless they had evidence their children had completed a medical screening.

The club said it adhered to policies laid down by the governing body British Gymnastics (BG).

Following claims of discrimination, a BG spokesman told the BBC that venues are "trying to do the right thing", but it is reviewing guidelines to "remove barriers" and be more inclusive.

Kirsty Pedelty, from Crook, was 20 minutes into her three-year-old son's first play session at the club's Pink Gym when she was asked to take him out.

She said she was told AJ could not use the facilities without medical evidence proving he did not have atlanto-axial instability (AAI), a neck weakness not limited to those with Down's syndrome.

The club told the BBC it was adhering to a 2021 BG policy that says gymnasts with Down's syndrome must be screened and approved by the organisation before they can participate in gymnastic activity.

Ms Pedelty said AJ did not have AAI, was checked regularly by a physio and was not at the venue for a gymnastics session.

"I feel like AJ was discriminated against," she said.

"I cried all the way home and am still in shock that this could happen.

"He deserves the right to play like any other child and if any other child is not screened, why should he be?

"I would never put my child in harm's way and he wasn't taking part in gymnastics, he was just playing and can't even jump.

"What kind of message does this send to other children? That those with Down's syndrome can't play":[]}