A group of 16 girls from Delta Gymnastics’ competitive program, ranging from ages seven to 15, will be travelling to Hawaii for two international competitions this month.
The Delta contingent will participate in the Gymnastics in Paradise Meet and the Aloha Gymnastics Festival in Oahu.
“Hawaii is a great destination because there is no other competition location that will allow our athletes the same international experience,” explains Delta Gymnastics’ Women’s Competitive Program Coordinator, Jennifer Dober. “These events are an incredible opportunity for the gymnasts to expand their competition experience, perform with a wide variety of levels, practice at a completely different location and learn about the culture of the area.
Gymnastics in Paradise — hosted by the Hawaiian Island Twisters Gymnastics Club — is an international competition featuring competitors from Canada, Australia, New Zealand and the US, in levels five through elite. The three-day meet gets underway on Friday.
“The Hawaiian clubs are so friendly and accommodating; they are very flexible in allowing our gymnasts to train in their club prior to the competitions so the girls are exposed to other gym set ups, facilities and coaches,” added Dober.
The Aloha Gymfest, in its 43rd year, is also an international meet but includes a wider variety of competitors from places such as Japan, Europe and Guam. The Festival is hosted by Kokokahi Gymnastics Team and is famous for its beautiful and unique seashell trophies. It gets underway Jan. 18.
Dober is expecting to return to Canada after 10 days of training and competition across the Pacific Ocean with new skills, great experience and hopefully a coveted seashell trophy.
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
