Delta Gymnastics' popular high school program is front and centre at this week's B.C. Secondary Schools Championships in Nanaimo.
Over 40 participants, representing five schools, are competing at Dover Bay secondary. The schools include South Delta, Delta, Richmond Christian, McMath and Southridge. The competition features men and women's levels 1-to-5, who participate in all 10 gymnastics events.
"The great thing is there are many opportunities for the athletes to succeed," explained Heather Henderson, Delta Gymnastics High School Program Coordinator.
"There is a team award plus medals to the top three all-around individuals in all levels. This event allows the athletes the opportunity to achieve the highest level of performance within their gymnastics school program." The Delta high school program sees students train anywhere from two to eight hours per week. Boys participate in pommel horse, rings, vault, bars, floor and parallel bars events and the girls in vault, floor, beam and uneven bars.
The provincial competition follows the same format as national level meets so athletes can experience the thrill of a competitive atmosphere even if they are not top level athletes.
"The athletes attend opening and closing ceremonies and a dress up dinner/dance banquet. Their performances can contribute to school awards and to their overall student experience," continued Henderson.
Gymnastics is a developmental sport, which means that skills continue to be perfected by achieving different levels.
"Many of the high school gymnasts have been a part of our club since they were in kindergarten," added Henderson. "The opportunity to continue with the sport at the high school level also helps them with their academic skills, focus, work ethic and discipline."
