Local News
Catchers and flyers encouraged by Gymfest
By The Black Opal Advocate
Nov 27, 2003, 14:40

IT was a sweet result for the Lightning Ridge gymnastic troupe at Gymfest in Gosford at the weekend.
The senior team brought home third placing in the circuit while the entire team was given an encouragement award.
The awards were particularly gratifying because the team suffered a “nightmare 14-hour trip” to the venue yet were up next morning at 6.30am and ready to compete at 8.30am, according to coach Leanne Sweatman.
“The bus broke down and there was no air conditioning all afternoon,” she said.
“As a result one child ended up in hospital with heat rash, yet she was up performing the next day.
“I was so proud of the kids for holding it together after conditions that were just unbearable.”
The Ridge’s team of 39 were up against 2000 competitors from 46 clubs and schools around NSW.
The team had four events - primary,  senior, rhythmic and acrobatics,  with the last performance at 4pm.
“Our youngest children were the flyers for the acrobatics, and you could tell they were tired yet I’m so proud   that they all did their routines safely,” Mrs Sweatman said.
As well as valuable competition experience   the interaction with other athletes and a chance to see some of Australia’s top gymnasts was important, she said.
“Mingling with the other kids they’d say ‘I want to learn that routine’ and the kids would show them and say ‘you have to be able to do 20 sit-ups to do this’ or ‘you have to work harder to get this skill’ - it was good for them to hear that from other students.”
 The icing on the cake was a workshop with top Australian rhythmic coach and judge, Michaela Peudleton.
“Because Michaela is a friend she did the workshop for free and she has marked some of our kids as very talented and will watch out for them in future competitions,” she said.
The Lightning Ridge gymnastics club will close for summer after a final performance at the Indoor Sports Centre at 3pm on December 3.

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