Delta Gymnastics Society hosted 115 student athletes for its 6th annual High School Invitational.
The event, sponsored in part by Kwantlen Polytechnic University, attracted participants from schools throughout the Lower Mainland, as well as Vancouver Island.
“The high school gymnastics program is unique in that it provides athletes ranging from beginners to competitive level the opportunity to compete for their schools,” explained Tessa Jansen, Delta Gymnastics High School Program Coordinator. "Typically, there are very few high school gymnastics competitions, so athletes appreciate the opportunity to perform their routines in a competitive environment.”
Delta's meet has seen incredible growth in the last six years.
“We used to have about 50 athletes in our earlier years, so we are very pleased to see the interest and participation growing,” continued Jansen.
All athletes who participated at the event will be training to qualify for the B.C. Secondary Schools Gymnastics Championships that will take place at South Delta Secondary in March 7- 9.
Highlights from the Delta High School Invitational included Jaime Terada, (Seaquam) who finished third and Isabelle Popovich, (South Delta) who was fourth in the Level 1 competition. Anna Marsden (Delta Secondary), Kaiya Chow (Southpointe Academy) and Melanie Hopkins, (South Delta). finished third, fourth and fifth respectively in the Level 2 competition.
“It was a very good experience for the athletes and they can look at what they are doing right and skills they need to continue to work on.” added Jansen.
“We will be hosting the high school zone event on January 26 and the Fraser Valley Championships on February 9, which are two other great chances for the athletes to perform and qualify for provincials.”
Delta Gymnastics Society offers programs from infants to seniors at their Ladner facility year-round. For information of events, programs and activities visit www.deltagymnastics.com.
