UK Gymnastics Leaders Join World Gymnastics in Historic Signing of IWG Declaration

In a landmark moment for gender equity in sport, the British gymnastics community has joined forces with World Gymnastics to officially sign the IWG's Brighton Plus Helsinki Declaration.

The collective signing took place at the Artistic Gymnastics British Championships in Liverpool and brought together British Gymnastics, the English Gymnastics Association, Scottish Gymnastics, Welsh Gymnastics and Gymnastics Northern Ireland. Together with their international federation, the organisations have made a unified commitment to champion the rights of women and girls and ensure they can participate, lead and thrive in a safe and inclusive environment.

Gymnastics is one of the few sports globally where women make up the majority across participants, workforce and fanbase. In the UK, women account for 84% of the coaching workforce. By signing the Declaration, each organisation has pledged to continue programmes aligned to its principles, including addressing barriers to participation and promoting female leadership.

Annamarie Phelps, Chair of the IWG UK Secretariat and Co-Chair of the Global Executive, said the collective commitment sends a strong signal about the sport’s direction:

“This joint commitment by British Gymnastics and the four nations of the United Kingdom, alongside the re-commitment of World Gymnastics sends a strong message of intention about the priorities of gymnastics at all levels. 

“I am delighted that these new and renewed signatories are happening during our tenure as secretariat of the IWG in the UK, in the build up to the Global Summit in Birmingham in July and, for many of my generation, as we celebrate the 50th anniversary of Nadia Commenci’s perfect 10 at the Olympic Games in Montreal.” 

Each organisation also highlighted specific priorities underpinning its commitment. Morinari Watanabe emphasised the importance of ensuring female athletes can compete safely and confidently at every level of the sport. British Gymnastics pointed to its recently launched ‘She Leaps’ initiative, focused on female health, empowerment and representation. Across the home nations, efforts include strengthening leadership pathways, supporting athlete wellbeing and tackling barriers to participation.

Morinari Watanabe, President of World Gymnastics, said:

"Reaffirming our commitment to the IWG Brighton plus Helsinki Declaration is an important milestone. World Gymnastics is dedicated to promoting an environment that supports their growth, development, and achievements at every level of the sport."

Sarah Powell, Chief Executive Officer of British Gymnastics, said:

“We're proud of where a start in gymnastics can take you, and the impact that has on women and girls for our society. Becoming signatories of the IWG Brighton Plus Helsinki Declaration and being joined by World Gymnastics to do so is a signal of our united commitment to ensuring gymnastics maximises the impact it has for women and girls everywhere.”

Leaders from across the home nations echoed a shared ambition to create greater opportunities for women and girls in sport.

Robyn Hastings, Chairperson of Gymnastics Northern Ireland, said:

"Gymnastics Northern Ireland is proud to support the Brighton Plus Helsinki Declaration and the global movement for gender equity in sport. We believe that every girl and woman should have the opportunity to participate, progress and lead within sport, and we are committed to making that vision a reality."

Siwan Mair, Acting Chief Executive Officer of Welsh Gymnastics, said:

"Welsh Gymnastics are fully committed to creating a fairer future for women and girls in sport across Wales. All women and girls should have the opportunities that come with sport, be that through participating, within a role that supports and delivers or as a spectator.”

Doc McKelvey, Chief Operating Officer of Scottish Gymnastics, said:

“Gymnastics is a sport for all, however it is especially popular amongst women and girls. It is therefore incumbent on us to do all we can to support and provide for females at all levels of the sport.” 

Paul Lipton, Vice Chairman of English Gymnastics, said:

“Gymnastics is a sport that showcases female excellence in sport from grassroots to world class performance.”

The signing marks a coordinated effort across national and international bodies to strengthen pathways for women and girls in gymnastics, as the UK prepares to host the IWG Global Summit in Birmingham this July.