Alex Buesnel: The Special Gymnastics Champion

Alex Buesnel, 24-years-old, has become the first ever gymnast with learning difficulties to make Jersey Island Games squad. Alex is a nine-time British champion and he won gold at the 2011 Special Olympics World Summer Games. He can continue to add to his records as he heads to Gotland this summer as a part of a 13-strong squad.

Alex Buesnel has told BBC Radio Jersey “It’s a great honour and I’m really pleased that records keep breaking,”.

At the 2015 Island Games in Jersey, gymnastics was left out of the programme. Despite it being left out of the programme, Alex Buesnel decided to participate in a gymnastics event in Ynys Mon and two silver medals. This event was held for islands who still wanted to compete in a gymnastics event.

He trains 17 hours a week with the mainstream Jersey squad and the Jersey Special Gymnastics Club. Alex Buesnel has added “I was relieved and honoured when I found out I’d been selected. Hopefully, I’ll get a medal,”.

“It’s great news and we’re really pleased for Alex as he’s worked really hard to be at the top of where he can be in disability sport,” Paul Patterson has added. Paul Patterson is from the Jersey’s Sports Association for the Disabled. Adding to this, Paul has said: “The only place he can move to now is a mainstream sport and the fact he’s made that jump and he’s doing well there means he can only improve more and more.”

Paul Patterson finished off with “he’s a great role model for people to aspire to in the future.”

The Jersey coach, Ben Frith, has said “it goes to show that he is up to the level and we expect good things again in Gotland. He’s the first special gymnast to make our squad, so it’s a great achievement for him.”

A massive congratulation to Alex Buesnel for making the Jersey’s Island Games squad! Alex is living proof that Adults 16+ with learning difficulties can have a brighter future and can get more satisfaction from life.

If you believe the adult you care for could benefit from being in a fun, friendly and practical learning environment that’s been specifically created to help adults who learn differently and have behaviours that may challenge have a happier, calmer more fulfilled life then visit www.skillstank.co.uk or call Wayne on 0121 308 6555.