The Yorkton Springers Gymnastics Club hosted its annual invitational tournament on the weekend.
The three-day event attracted 18 clubs from across Saskatchewan and Manitoba, from as far away as Swift Current, said the Springers head coach Jessica Ronn, adding there were more than 500 participants registered.
The event, held at the Yorkton Regional High School was the final event of the season for the club’s recreational athletes, said Ronn.
“For our competitive athletes there’s the provincial championships Mother’s Day weekend in May (in Saskatoon),” she said.
The event saw athletes put through their routines in floor exercise, uneven bars, vault and balance beam.
“For the recreational athletes it’s more for fun … There’s no pressure like being on the competitive team” said Ronn, who noted the athletes 108 from the Springers Club were not judged, but are rewarded for participation.
Ronn added that most gymnasts involved with the Springers begin recreationally, and evolve to the competitive side of things.
“Typically they start in the recreational program,” she said, adding at some point they may want “to be evaluated for the competitive program.”
The Springers had 49 competitive gymnasts participate on the weekend, and Ronn said as coach she was well-pleased with their results.
“The kids met my expectations. They worked so hard,” she said, adding there were a number of medals in various age groups.
In her own case, Ronn was a gymnast with the club as a youngster, and has coached for the past six years.
“It’s my passion. I just love being in the gym, keeping kids active, seeing them progress through their levels and skill development,” she said.
