The 13th annual Chimo PJ Meet was a rousing success. With 200 athletes gathering to challenge themselves physically and mentally it was a rewarding experience for organizers, volunteers, spectators and athletes alike.
This was a unique meet for Chimo as it combined many different levels of gymnastics competition. Gymnasts from Victoria to Campbell River and Powell River competed in Gymstart, Interclub, KIP, Provincial levels 1-3 and High school levels 1-3. Chimo athletes produced great results for their first meet of the year.
The youngest competitor, Sydney Howe, shone in her first Provincial meet in the Pre-Argo 1 group and received a silver medal for her efforts. Her sister, Taylor Howe finished 6th in her category, Argo 1. Newcomer, Hannah Vallevand, got her feet wet in the Open 1 and High school Level 2 categories with first place all around in both.
Claire Knowles came up second place overall with 1st place finishes on both vault and floor in the Tyro 1 group. Tyro Level 2, Maiah Tanner, scored 2nd place on vault to finish 3rd overall in her level. Teammates Kira Magor and Josee Jalbert enjoyed friendly competition in the Level 2 Novice group. Magor took 2nd place on floor to finish 4th overall while Jalbert performed a 1st place uneven bar routine to take top spot on the podium. Isabella Pelletier and Toni Smith finished 2nd and 3rd respectively in the Open level 2 category with Toni clinching 1st on beam and Isabella 2nd in three of her four events.
With Sophia Mossie’s first place finishes on vault, beam and floor the Tyro level 3 gymnast was so close to 1st place overall but was edged into 2nd place by a familiar competitor. Level 3 Novice gymnast, Kaylee Guignard, was 1st on both floor and beam for a close 2nd overall. Open level 3 competitors Lauren Carr and Sawyer Sturam were 1st and 2nd respectively.
This year the PJ meet also encompassed high school trials for both boys and girls. While there were no Comox Valley males competing this year, as the boys' programming continues to develop at Chimo there will be local male competitors in the future. The Comox Valley girls’ competed hard for their schools. Lake Trail Junior level 1 gymnast Emma Mossie’s first competition ended with a respectable 13th place overall in a large category. Aiyana Carter represented Vanier in the Senior level 1 group and finished 5th.
The Senior Level 2 athletes representing Highland were Hannah Vallevand – 1st place, Elizabeth Gummer – 3rd and Caroline Enamorado - 9th overall; Kristen Bystrom finished 8th for Isfeld; and Bridget Todd brought a 7th place overall finish to Vanier. Comox Valley high school girls did very well and several of these athletes will be representing their schools at the upcoming Provincial meet.
Each one of these gymnasts competed new elements on every apparatus, faced many challenges in training, and fought to meet her potential. They thrilled the audience with massive split leaps on the beam and incredible power tumbling on the floor. The dedication of all the athletes that took part in this wonderful meet was impressive and inspirational to all those watching.
The gymnasts credit their coaches, Ford White, Toni Vance and Trevor Nagy, who challenge and encourage them to strive for their best performance every time. Chimo thanks their sponsors; Bayview Chiropractic – Debbie Wright, Blackfin Pub, Bodyworx Physiotherapy & Pilates, Bonnie Borbridge – Invis West Coast Mortgages, Canadian Tire, Comox Physiotherapy, Crown Isle, Fitness Excellence, Fruv, Little Lilly Tutu, Mount Washington, Pharmasave – Comox, Quality Foods, Saputo – Dairyland, Thrifty Foods, and Winterhawk Electric. Without these community-minded businesses and the dedication of the many volunteers this positive youth even would not be possible.
– Chimo