Latest news and reports from Wirral Gymnastics Club

Jul 18 2012 by Our Correspondent, Birkenhead News

TALENTED young gymnasts from Wirral Gymnastics Club have been showcasing their great skills to both regular and wider audiences.

First, the youngsters got into the spirit of the London Olympics by holding their own mini version of the Games.

The gymnasts were organised into small teams, each one representing a country set to compete at the Games.

And maybe as the real thing will turn out, the group representing Russia carried off the team prize.

Sue Heron from the club explained: “The parents association at Wirral Gymnastics held their very own gymnastic Olympics.

“The idea of the event was to celebrate the Olympics coming to London and include as many children as possible.

“It was a 'gymnastics for all' event – therefore all children were invited to enter, from the recreational gymnasts who train only one hour per week right through to the elite squad members.

“It was also a great way to raise funds for the club to support the purchase of equipment and pay for coaching.

“A total of 144 gymnasts entered the competition that was held over two days.

“Children in the recreational competition competed on two pieces – floor and vault – and squad gymnasts competed in up to five pieces – floor, vault, bars, beam and tumbling.

“All the children were competing for a country as well as individual medals, so all points gained through the competition went towards their country (that was chosen out of a hat) as well as individual piece and overall medals.”

Alongside ‘Russia’ on the podium at the end of the competition were runners-up Australia and Great Britain who took third spot.

Meanwhile, three teams of gymnasts from the club secured medals at the National Tumble League competing against tumblers from all over the country in Wakefield.

The Springers (under 12 years) took gold in the mixed team event.

The team were Charlie Skeaping (who also won gold individually) Rachel Heron, Megan Waters, Erin Lewis and Danielle Wheeler.

In the junior event, Wirral A team Elizabeth Sullivan (who also won silver individually), Ella Wilkinson, Imogen Hopkinson, Amy Edwards and Nadia Di Miceli also struck gold.

And the Wirral B team took silver – Sian Foster, Laura Potts, Katie Oake and Connie Sullivan.