Five girls from the North Coast Academy of Gymnastics at Lismore, eight from Yotala in Sydney, six from Armidale and 12 girls and one boy from the local Yotala Club participated.

Three of these gymnasts compete in the Special O’s competition which was held for the first time in Inverell.

Special Os is for children of any age with special needs. The Sydney girls, who were accompanied by parents and head coach and judge Helen Turnbull and Richard Turnbull, club judge, not only enjoyed a weekend of gymnastics but also tried their hand at sapphiring on Louise Walburn’s property at Nullamanna. This was a great experience for the city girls who were joined by the local girls.

Competition results:

Special O’s: Ryan from Inverell competed ribbon, rope, hoop and ball.

Rebecca and Carlie from Sydney competed hoop, ribbon and ball. All three gymnasts put so much effort into their routines and all received medals.

Level 1 – junior: Emily Newell – 1, Kiarah Seagrott – 2. Level 1 – senior: Madison Macinnis – 1, Lucie Frost – 2, Chloe Hayes – 3.

Level 2 – junior: Emily Scrivener – 1, Amber Jackson Mag – 2, Ashley Parker – 3, Hope Walsh – 4, Rebecca Gilson – 5, Kiarah Jenesky – 6.

Level 2 – senior: Tammy Russell – 1. Level 3 – junior: Sarah Turnbull – 1, Adele Mitchell – 2. Level 3 – senior: Kirsty Muggleton – 1, Johanna Colley – 2, Emma-Jay Trevithick – 3.

Level 4 – junior: Nicole Seymour – 1, Danielle Santoro – 2. Level 4 – senior: Elise Brake – 1, Amber Thirlaway – 2, Jessica Trevithick – 3, Gabrielle Scaysbrook – 4.

Level 5 combined: Skye Trevithick – 1, McKeeley Purcell-Williams – 2, Mariah Kolesnik – 3.

Level 6: Hayley Bussey – 1, Sheridan Bullen – 2.

All the gymnasts were able to achieve qualifying scores and are now eligible to attend the State Championships.

Coach Helen complemented the girls on their hard work during their training sessions and was very impressed with the improvement of the Inverell girls since attending the training camp at Minto in Sydney in January.

The Yotala Club would like to thank Helen, Richard, Dani Hankins and Joanne Trevithick for judging the competition. Yotala Gymnastics is held at Macintyre High School: Rhythmic – Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 4-7pm. Gymnastics for fun – Tuesday 4.30-6pm. Trampolining – Tuesday 5-7pm. Special Os – by appointment. Sports Acro – Friday 5-7pm.

n For further information contact Debbie Hankins on 6725 5518 or 0412 121 269.