November has been a superb month for local gymnasts from Athena Sports Academy based at both Sunnydale and Newton Aycliffe Sports Centres. At the beginning of the month gymnasts travelled north to a competition held at Deerness Gymnastics’ Academy in Durham. This annual event attracts entries from all over the north east and has become very popular making the competition for medals harder each year.
All the gymnasts who competed had to be at their best, and the Athena Gymnasts certainly made their coaches very proud with a medal tally of 40. This included 12 Bronze, 8 silver and a remarkable 20 gold medals on an amazing day for the club.
Gymnasts didn’t have time to dwell on their performance, as they prepared for last weekend’s national showcase, Gymfusion Northern, which was held in Newcastle – a British Gymnastics National Festivals Programme with over 4500 performers. Athena Gymfusion 2014 team included a squad of 21 gymnasts, with the youngest aged 9 years, and were dressed in a futuristic costume which just added authenticity to the Next Generation performance.
The buzz from the audience was there for all to hear, as the squad performed what can only be described an amazing show of gymnastic talent. Remembering how good the squad performed in Newcastle last year, this squad, featuring many gymnasts who were performing for the first time, had been tasked to better last year’s masterpiece. If the audience reaction at the end was anything to go by, they certainly bettered it! All the gymnasts who performed at Gymfusion 2014 were amazing and a special mention goes to coaches, Samantha Robson and Britainy Fuller who put together this magnificent piece of work.
The club are now preparing for their 3rd Annual Christmas Showcase which will be held at Newton Aycliffe Leisure Centre on Saturday 6th December with the performance starting at 2pm. The Athena Christmas Showcase will feature gymnasts from many of the clubs rec classes, from the toddler classes to the older gymnasts. The show will also include the superb Gymfusion 2014, which is a must for all to see. For more information or to book tickets, contact Sam on 07800 847527.
