Boy, 6, with Down Syndrome refused entry to Flip Out trampoline park in Chatham
15:04, 09 March 2020
updated: 09:55, 10 March 2020
A trampoline centre has stood by its company policy over denying entry to people with Down Syndrome.
On Saturday, Flip Out at The Quays, Chatham Maritime, didn't allow George Dodsworth to take part in activities as he did not have permission from his GP.
George's mother Gemma said: "To be told George can't do something because he is labelled as Down Syndrome is something I've never encountered before and it was hard to take in.
"I never thought taking the kids to Flip Out as a treat today would end in tears.
"George has been many times before and loves it but to be told he couldn't go in and jump because he has Down Syndrome was such a shock.
"How can I explain to him that he can't jump like his brother and sisters because he has Down Syndrome?"
The mother-of-four added: "I wanted to get this out there so parents of children with Down Syndrome or any special needs don't need to feel how I did today or deal with an upset child who can't understand why now he can't jump on a trampoline.
"George is my sunshine and I wouldn't change him for the world. Just continue to be you George, I love you so much it hurts."
She added: "All I want is to raise awareness to other parents with children who have Down Syndrome to obtain a doctor's note before entering Flip Out.
"I would also like to add the staff at Flip Out handled the situation with compassion and couldn’t have been more apologetic. It’s not their fault.
"I am just trying to be the best mum I can be and treat my four children equally."
Flip Out issued a statement asking people to refer to their terms and conditions regarding the situation.
It said: "Approval for participation that is signed by the GP or paediatrician must be provided before taking part in any trampolining activities.
"The British Gymnastics Association (the National Governing Body for Trampolining and Gymnastics) has released guidelines for customers with Down Syndrome.
"George is my sunshine and I wouldn't change him for the world..."
"It is possible that certain customers with Down Syndrome may also have Atlanto-Axial Instability (Instability within the vertebrae in the neck) and as such to ensure their safety, customers with Down Syndrome and neck instability will be asked to obtain evidence from a GP or paediatrician that they have been screened, using the screening test developed by the British Gymnastics Association for Atlanto-Axial Instability.
"We welcome people of all ages and disabilities and certainly don't discriminate.
"We put everyone's health and safety before anything to ensure the arena is safe for all participants. I hope the above provides some clarification for you."
