Splitz gymnasts have had a busy few weeks with kids from all classes competing at different competitions right across the region.

The first event saw Splitz host their own acro event in the Lakeland Forum on February 13, designed to build confidence in performance after two years away from competition.

Funding for this was gratefully received from the ‘Community Foundation’.

Several clubs across the region brought their acro squads and this was the first time many of our gymnasts had the opportunity to perform and interact with other children involved in the same sport.

Next up was the ‘Give it a Go Pairs & Balance’ competition in Banbridge on February 26, which was attended by our ‘Rebounder’ and ‘Teen Gym’ classes after completing their acrobatics gymnastics term.

Gymnasts aged 7 to 17 had to work with a partner to perform a routine to music including static balances and individual elements.

This was the first event of the year where spectators were allowed, so parents got the opportunity to see the results of their children’s hard work.

‘Give it a Go’ Results are as follows ...

U1-1 Group A

1st, Amy & Sophie Graham.

2nd, Chelsea Robertson and Kaya Kremska.

3rd, Aoibhinn McCaghery.

U-11 Group B

1st, Cori McConnell and Roisin Rice.

2nd, Clara O’Reilly and Aoife McCardle.

3rd, Georgia and Darcey McElwaine.

U-12

1st, Lilly Gallagher and Cara McGuiness.

U-14

1st, Orlaith Lunney and Ella McCaghery.

2nd, Tori Lilly and Flavia Ramedios.

U-19

1st, Libby Robertson and Karolina Campbell.

2nd, Karolina Campbell and Saoirse Sliman.

NI Acro Regional Qualifiers

Finally, 25 gymnasts from Splitz competition squad attended the Northern Ireland Regional Qualifiers at Flight Gymnastics Mallusk on Sunday, March 20.

They were competing against gymnasts from other clubs across the region for selection to represent Northern Ireland.

The partnerships placing first qualified for the National British NDP (National Development Plan) Finals in Stoke-on-Trent on May 14-15 and runners-up qualified for the Inter-Regional Competition in Southampton on April 30.

All partnerships scored in the top five for each category. Results are as follows ...

Grade 2 womens pair, Lucy Rice and Emma McElwaine, 3rd.

Grade 3 womens trio Niamh Breen, Lexi McElwaine and Alicia McElwaine, 5th.

Winners to compete in the British Finals May 14-15 include:

Grade 1, womens pair Charlotte Farrell and Zara Fisher.

Grade 2, mixed pair Eva-Rose McCluskey and Lorcan McManus.

Grade 2, womens trio Laoise Fogarty, Emily Jordan and Aine Rice.

Grade 4, womens pair Emily Hanna and Kyra Duffy.

Youth womens pair, Jessica Hanna and Riona Dooris.

Inter-Regional Qualifiers who head to Southampton on April 30 include:

Grade 3, womens trio Mena O’Reilly, Aoife McGuigan and Phoebe Rutledge.

Grade 4, womens trio Poppie Beddard, Sarah Rutledge and Beth McGowan.

Youth womens trio Caoimhe O’Reilly, Naoise Kerrin and Maeve Duffy.

Our acrobatic squad also attended a cross-Border friendly event in Dublin on Saturday, April 2, to promote the sport and build confidence in performance after the long period away from competition.

Splitz Gymnastics Club is going from strength to strength and are pleased to announce that we have moved to a purpose-built unit on the Tempo Road as our permanent home.

If you are interested in gymnastics classes for your child, please email club owner and Head Coach Mrs. Jennifer Hanna at splitz.gymnasticsni@yahoo.com for further information.