A young Lisburn and Castlereagh athlete has reached new heights in her sporting career after winning two gold medals at the UK Trampoline Championships in Birmingham, with support from our Community Bursary Grant.
Nine-year-old Ayah Campbell, who regularly attends Ballyoran Community Centre in Ballybeen, was crowned Northern Ireland Champion in the FIG Level Age 9–10 Girls category earlier this year, earning her a place on Team Northern Ireland at the Regional Cup Challenge in Birmingham.
Behind Ayah’s success is a remarkable story of determination and resilience.
Ayah was born with developmental dysplasia of the hips (DDH), a condition in which the hip joint does not develop normally. As a baby, she required treatment in a Pavlik harness, which she wore 24 hours a day for 12 weeks. Due to her condition, she was also unable to use a baby walker or bouncer.
At the age of six, Ayah discovered trampoline and began training at North Down Trampoline Academy. She now trains for up to nine hours a week and has been selected for the Northern Ireland pathway squad for the past two years, progressing to the developmental squad this year.
Her success on the trampoline has continued to grow. Last year, Ayah qualified to represent Team Northern Ireland in Trampoline and Double Mini Trampoline at the Inter Regional Cup Challenge in Birmingham, where she won a silver medal in Double Mini Trampoline with support from an LCCC Sports Grant.
This year, she has taken another significant step forward, becoming Northern Ireland Champion before going on to secure her two gold medals in Birmingham.
The council’s Community Bursary Grant helped make this year’s trip possible, providing valuable support towards the cost of Ayah’s competition kit and travel.
Chair of LCCC’s Communities and Wellbeing Committee, Cllr Sharon Lowry, said: “Ayah’s achievements are a fantastic example of what can be accomplished through determination, hard work and a real passion for your sport.
“Her journey from facing significant challenges as a baby to representing Northern Ireland and winning two gold medals is truly inspiring. We are delighted that the Council’s bursary support has helped Ayah take part in this competition and we are incredibly proud to celebrate her success.”
Ayah’s family said: “We are incredibly proud of everything Ayah has achieved. She has worked so hard and her determination has been amazing to watch.
“The support from the council’s bursary made a huge difference, particularly with the cost of her kit and travel, and helped Ayah have this fantastic opportunity to represent Northern Ireland. Seeing her come home with two gold medals was an incredibly proud moment for all of us.”
Ayah’s achievements highlight the talent and determination of young people across the Lisburn and Castlereagh area, while the support provided through the Community Bursary Grant helps local individuals pursue opportunities and compete at the highest levels.