Contributed by Alisha Rella
Elk Valley Gymnastics Club
On Sunday (Dec. 4), the Elk Valley Gymnastics Club (EVGC) hosted their yearly mini meet for the competitive team.
The event took place over the course of the day with 36 athletes competing, seven of whom were competing for the first time. This gave an opportunity for the team to present their routines in a competition setting with real judging and spectators, helping them prepare for the upcoming competition season.
Cristina Gillrie, office manager and coach of the EVGC said, “Our competitive athletes spend the first half of the year working on their skills and developing their routines, in preparation for competition season which always starts in the new year.”
The entire day was a huge success with all seven levels of gymnasts competing, looking very strong, prepared and confident.
“These athletes spend hours in the gym working on their strength, conditioning, balance, flexibility and skills. It’s wonderful to see all their hard work come together. As a coach, I’m very proud of all the athletes achievements and as an office manager, I’m impressed with my coaching staff’s ability to have the team so well-prepared to compete,” said Gillrie.
Congratulations to all athletes! Highest All-Around winners of each level include CCP, Maria Laurison, CPP2 Willow Sorfleet, CCP3 Rosie Schaaf, CCP6 Addison Charest, XCEL Bronze Lily Buchwald, XCEL Silver Kayla Coupland, and XCEL Gold Layla Rella.
The team is looking forward to competing in their first official competition of the season on the weekend of Jan. 21 and 22 East Kootenay Judges Cup in Invermere, BC.
Good luck to all of the athletes! Your club and community are rooting for you!
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