SUPPORTIN SPORT FUND
GRACIE BARRA CI
Gracie Barra CI were awarded £11,285 in 2024 to provide additional Brazilian Jiu Jitsu opportunities to islanders, specifically by expanding on-island competition provision and supporting their growing female programme. The initiatives are expected to directly benefit over 200 participants through the award received by the SUPPORTIN SPORT Fund.
Like many sports, the club have been constrained in expanding their offer due to a lack of available and appropriate facility space – Brazilian Jiu Jitsu requires pre-matted dojos, which are limited and in high demand. The purchase of new portable roll out mats acquired through this award funding will allow the club to take Brazilian Jiu Jitsu out into the community to reach more islanders by accessing new and more spaces. The new portable roll out mats will be used for coach exhibitions, on-island competitions and the expansion of existing community programmes.
The funding will also be used to purchase Gi’s that are specifically designed for females, improving the quality of equipment provided to beginners and ensuring that kit is appropriate and safe for new members. This will support Gracie Barra CI’s growing female programme and reduce financial barriers to accessing the sport as they will be able to offer loan equipment for new participants or those who cannot self-fund the full kit requirements.
LATEST NEWS…
The ladies fitting Gi’s have now arrived and are actively supporting female participants in their growing ladies sessions, with 5 new ladies regularly attending these classes. The club hosts a diverse and inclusive offer proudly representing females from 8 different nationalities within these sessions.
As their confidence has grown throughout the programme, they are already starting to see some of these participants transitioning into their mainstream offer.
Portable roll out mats have also since been delivered to the club and Gracie Barra CI will be hosting their first kids competition in December, providing a local competition pathway for their junior participants.
Find contact details for Gracie Barra CI in our SPORTS DIRECTORY: