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鈥檚 recreational athletes, said Ronn.
鈥淔or our competitive athletes there鈥檚 the provincial championships Mother鈥檚 Day weekend in May (in Saskatoon),鈥� she said.
The event saw athletes put through their routines in floor exercise, uneven bars, vault and balance beam.
鈥淔or the recreational athletes it鈥檚 more for fun 鈥� There鈥檚 no pressure like being on the competitive team鈥� 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.
鈥淭ypically they start in the recreational program,鈥� she said, adding at some point they may want 鈥渢o be evaluated for the competitive program.鈥�
The Springers had 49 competitive gymnasts participate on the weekend, and Ronn said as coach she was well-pleased with their results.
鈥淭he kids met my expectations. They worked so hard,鈥� 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.
鈥淚t鈥檚 my passion. I just love being in the gym, keeping kids active, seeing them progress through their levels and skill development,鈥� she said.
