MEAPA Gymnastics Club in Gravesend were on top form last weekend at the women’s artistic 2011 regional grade championships at the Spectrum Leisure Centre in Guildford.

The championships were split into three competitions (regional, national and elite) and saw the best young gymnasts from the south east compete across the four disciplines of vault, uneven bars, balance beam and floor.

They also had the added difficulty of range and conditioning, which requires competitors to demonstrate a sequence of designated moves.

This is where medals are won or lost as gymnasts must show the power, strength, flexibility and agility necessary to win at a regional level and show the potential to go on to compete nationally.

The contest was split into two competitions, the first held on Saturday were gymnasts competed in regional grades and the second on the Sunday in national and elite grades.

In the latter competition gymnasts must battle it out to finish in the top four to secure entry to the British national finals to be held in Birmingham next month.

The girls put in an excellent performance throughout the weekend, which saw the Meapa win a host of medals and places within the elite south east team.

Winning gymnasts were Natasha Loftus (grade five), who won bronze, Rio Baker, (grade seven) who placed fourth and Chanelle Cole, (compulsory level four), who came fifth. Eliesh Keane and Natasha Loftus were awarded a bronze medal for their range and conditioning.

Sky Bebbington (compulsory level five) won silver, Kenzie Alexander-Reynold (compulsory level five) took bronze, Amy Lockey (grade 14) landed gold, Caitlin Sullivan (grade 12) also won gold, Jade Dapalma-Gomez (grade 12) secured bronze and Kelsey Wells (grade 11) took gold.

However, none of these six were eligible for entry to the national finals In July the Meapa will be taking part in an international competition in Malta.

This event will give the girls the opportunity to compete against the very best gymnasts from other European countries and, apart from lifelong friendships, will enable them to develop the skills required to compete and win at the very highest level of international gymnastics.

The girls are currently embarking on a number of events to help raise the £4,000 needed to fund the trip.

In addition, companies will be invited to become sponsors, through which their involvement will help ensure the gold medal winners of the future will be nurtured and developed.

For more information, call 01474 333 299 or visit themeapa.com

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