Phoenix's rising stars (From Penarth Times)

Phoenix's rising stars

COACHES and gymnasts alike from Phoenix Gymnastics, are celebrating a highly successful first birthday.

In the space of only one year they have introduced over 200 girls and boys into the sport of gymnastics and turned the small beginning of only nine girls into a thriving club.

As readers of the Penarth Times may know, classes are held in many areas of Cardiff, but are still firmly based in and around the Dinas Powys and Bay areas. The club has established classes which are now over-subscribed in St Andrew's Church in Wales School, Dinas Powys, and most recently at Channel View Leisure Centre. Other classes are held in Lisvane Memorial Hall, Western Leisure Centre and Howells School, Llandaff.

The original pre-school children have progressed on through Gymtots to their Jumping Jacks class with new equipment bought to match their growing skills and needs.

Talented youngsters are invited to the Supertots sessions, where a programme of development is carefully formulated to suit each child.

The competitive squad girls are expected to work hard and show commitment to their sport. This pays dividends, with many medal successes in competitions in both England and Wales.

The club is celebrating its birthday with another medal for Alice John and a first medal for Megan Richards in a major Welsh competition.

Both girls were entered, together with Kate and Lucy Galea, in the Welsh Individual Challenge Cup on September 14.

Megan attained 3rd place overall with Lucy a very close 4th in the 10-11 age group. Alice took bronze in the 12-13 age group.

However, it is not all hard work, and the children enjoy their socialising too. Over the year there have been visits to gymnastic summer camps, a Christmas visit to Little Miss Make Over and a splashing time followed by tea, on the summer outing to the Aquadome.

Phoenix Gymnastics have issued a public thank you for the support and encouragement they have received during the past year.

In particular, they have singled out their sponsors, GH Solutions, and also the Sports Council for Wales, Sports Match Cymru and Sportlot. For further information please ring Helen on 2070 0976 or Jennie on 2051 5200.