Chimo athletes and visiting gymnasts put on another inspiring and energetic display of talent, skill and dedication to their sport.
The Chimo Gymnastics Club hosted their 11th annual PJ Party competitive meet this past Saturday and Sunday at the Comox Recreation Centre with 10 clubs visiting from the Island and one from Vancouver representing over 150 registered athletes in Provincial levels 1-4.
This year there were several podium finishes including a silver medal for Lauren Carr on vault and silver medals on beam for Cassidy Barna and Sawyer Sturam.
Two Chimo athletes who are also club coaches enjoyed great success. Amber Mearns won bronze on vault, silver on bars and beam, gold on floor and silver all around. Katie Symonds had a particularly exceptional meet. She placed first on all four events, and won the all around gold in the Provincial Level 4 Open category. With a 50.55, Symonds had the highest all around score in the entire competition.
A new and inclusive addition to the event was the “Interclub” session which allowed recreational athletes to showcase their personal ability without the pressure of being ranked or judged. These gymnasts had the opportunity to participate and perform their routines in a creative way.
All athletes in this session received a certificate with the adjudicator’s positive comments about their routines and a custom PJ Party medal. Four-star performer awards went to Shannon Flaherty of Falcon Gymnastics and Stephanie Beutler, Grace Bradley and Alyssa Schan of Nanaimo Gymnastics for their particularly memorable showings.
The Chimos thank all the sponors and volunteers. "The dedication and expertise of our volunteers was absolutely outstanding. The way the teams, coaches and judges embraced the PJ theme made the whole event so much fun,” a Chimo spokesperson said.
Other attending clubs included Campbell River Springs, Duncan Dynamics, Falcon Gymnastics (Victoria), Flicka Gymnastics (Vancouver), Harbour City Gymnastics (Nanaimo), Lions Pride (Victoria)
Nanaimo Gymnastics, Powell River Aerials, Port Alberni Gymnastics and Salt Spring Gymnastics.