The Port Pirie Regional Gymnastics Academy’s gymnasts tumbled their way to the top in 2009.
They ended the year with a coup, being presented with awards for their hard effort.
Coaches Gary and Lee-ann Nayda beamed with pride as
their young stars were awarded for their dedication throughout the year.
The 2009 Most Improved Gymnast was Emily Horsnell.
Lee-ann said she had shown dedication and commitment at training to continually improve skills, strength and flexibility.
“She is constantly improving her competition performance as she grows more confident of her abilities,” she said.
“Consistent attendance, arriving on time to training sessions and working well in a team situation is a good example of her self discipline and respect for the sport.”
She said Emily had enrolled in classes when she was 11-years-old.
“Most think that starting gymnastics for a teenager would be too tough or demanding to be able to succeed at competitions,” she said. “Emily has proven that if you are determined to put in the work and have a positive approach, anything is possible.
Coach Katie Williams was awarded with the Outstanding Achievement Award for Coach Education.
In March last year, Williams went to the International Gymnastics Conference.
They discussed the components of coaching and managing an international development program.
Only two South Australian coaches were selected to attend, including Williams.
She will be starting her level two coaches course in Brisbane this month.
Olympic gymnasts in the making Mikayla Glenn and Jessica Marwick received the Outstanding achievement Award.
Lee-ann said they were assessed on strength and flexibility for acceptance into the Generation Next program where they trained once a month in Adelaide.
“Mikayla and Jess worked on advanced skills and drills while building friendships with gymnasts from other clubs who also attended the workshops,” she said.
“The girls were great ambassadors for our academy. Their performance and efforts at training sessions received positive feedback from both the coaching team and organisers of the program.”
The academy’s talented level one participants have
already started training for their first competition this year.
Some of the gymnasts have not turned five-years-old yet, but this has not stopped them from joining in with the team activities and skill preparations.
Level one participants Mason Petagna, Emily Ford, Jessica Smith, Lauren Farinola, Phoebe Atkins and Hollie Wauchope were presented with the Rising Star Award.
The Personal Achievement Award went to Mia Dennis (level three), Teekah Cunningham (level three) and Tayla Petagna (level two).
Tia Cunningham was recognised for her commitment and dedication to the academy.
She was presented with the Five Year Dedication Award.
The level three B team became the team of the year.
They entered six competitions last year and won overall places at the Port Lincoln Invitations, Country Championships and Adelaide Interclub Series. The team came second in the State Championships.
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