Gymnastics all-stars shine in St Vincent

Jamaica participated for the first time with an all-star school team at the Coconut Gymnastics Classic in St Vincent and the Grenadines from February 23-24. The teams comprised 25 young gymnasts competing in the pre-competitive level.

Three club teams from Jamaica – Portmore Gymnastics and Wellness Centre, Westmoreland Gymnastics Academy, and Jamaica School of Gymnastics, also competed. A total of 45 gymnasts, ranging from age four to 10, participated. The ­contingent consisted of 29 parents and other family members, four coaches, and 45 competitors.

“This was the biggest ­contingent we have ever had travelling ­overseas for a gymnastics competition. We were very excited to see our first sign of true talent shining as they qualified from the Jamaica Classic Regional Schools Championships held in November 2018. We knew these children would have done their best and held the pride of Jamaica high as they showcased the little tricks they acquire in a friendly atmosphere.

“These programmes will be closely monitored as they ­transition to the Junior Development Team,” stated ­president Nicole Grant-Brown.

“We are very thankful to the Sports Development Foundation, the Ministry of Sports, other sponsors, and our ever-faithful parents, as without them, this would not have been possible,” she added. Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados, the Cayman Islands and St Vincent and the Grenadines were the other competing teams.

The teams that participated and their overall scores were Jamaica School of Gymnastics, 113.85; Trinidad and Tobago, 112.6; Jamaica All Stars, 112.6; Portmore Gym, 109.55; St Vincent, 101.2.