Selected for Wales (From Penarth Times)

Selected for Wales

THE coaches and girls at Phoenix Gymnastics are celebrating a series of successful trials which resulted in them gaining places in three Welsh gymnastic squads.

Selected to the South Area of Wales Squad were Laizan Fung, Emma Thomas, Rebecca Thomas, Abbie Stone, Carys Thomas and Hayley Stroud.

Just prior to this, some of the youngest gymnasts were selected to the Welsh National Devel-opment Squad.

Aged just six and seven years old, but working with maturity well beyond that, were Eli Moaksom, Teoni Miller and Rebecca Moore.

The opening of the new gym in April has enabled Phoenix Gymnastics to broaden the opportunities available to children.

In September, classes in rhythmic gymnastics began. Hayley Stroud, from Fairfield School in Penarth, and Kelly Powling, who have both added this discipline to their artistic gymnastics, have been awarded places in the Welsh National Rhythmic Preparation Squad after a successful trial last weekend.

Kelly and Hayley, along with Anna Henley, from Dinas Powys, and Miki Curle were medallists in their first rhythmic competition, held in the South Area before Christmas. Kelly was crowned U8 champion, with Hayley third and Anna a creditable second at U10.

The variety of classes offered by Phoenix Gymnastics continues to expand. A new Mother and Baby class is now open on Monday mornings at 10.30am for babies from crawling age upwards to enjoy quality one-to-one time with Mum, guided by a coach, while developing skills of balance and co-ordination.

Children from two years to school age have a range of classes on offer, with no fewer than ten recreational classes for boys and girls each week.

The recently formed Advanced Recreational Squads provide training for both boys and girls who wish to compete at Welsh entry level.

The Phoenix Competitive Squad continues to train hard for the upcoming round of competitions. The Welsh National Development Programme Grades are being held in February and March and everybody is looking forward to the girls giving their very best and hopefully reaping the rewards.

For further information about Phoenix Gymnastics, telephone Helen Cope on 029 2070 0976 or Jenny John on 029 2051 5200.