Valleys Academy gymnasts grab a hatful of awards at top event (From South Wales Argus)

Valleys Academy gymnasts grab a hatful of awards at top event

3:00pm Thursday 20th September 2012 in Sport

A TEAM of gymnasts from the Valleys Gymnastics Academy took top honours at the Alpha Factor Invitational held at the Wiltshire School of Gymnastics in Melksham.

This competition attracts hundreds of entries from across the UK and was attended by six Valleys gymnasts – Ellys Connor, Macey Chapman, Niya Hewitt, Beth Wheeler, Naomi Jarman and Katelyn King.

In the Level 4 (10-11 years) competition, Niya Hewitt took a gold apparatus award for her bars routine, silver on the floor and bronze on the vault, as well as finishing in 6th place overall.

In the same category, Macey Chapman took gold awards on bars and floor and a silver for vault. Macey also picked up a special award for her beam routine, which was technically excellent but marred by two unfortunate falls. She took second place overall, just 0.03 marks away from the gold.

Beth Wheeler also took an apparatus award for beam, where she was the top scorer in the competition.

Meanwhile, in the Level 4 (9 years) competition, Katelyn King performed well, demonstrating several new skills.

At Level 3 (10 years), Naomi Jarman also performed superbly against tough competition and just missed out on apparatus awards. Ellys Connor took top honours for the club.

Competing in the Level 4 (12 years and over) category, Ellys was outstanding, taking a gold on bars, bronze on beam and floor, and being crowned overall champion.

All of the gymnasts train at the Valleys Gymnastics Academy in Crumlin.

Those interested in gymnastics and dance activities can learn more about the club at www.valleysgymnasticsacademy.co.uk or by calling 01495 248070.