Academy’s acrobats Developing so nicely
DEERNESS Gymnastics Academy’s young acrobats competed in the Regional NDP (National Development Programme) Championships – and returned with lots of medals.
Youngsters from the Durhambased club secured eight gold, three silvers and a fifth place.
The gold medallists were in eight partnerships, 21 gymnasts in total, and they qualified as a result for the NDP Finals later this month.
The regional championships were held in Newton Aycliffe near Darlington – 29 Deerness acrobats competing against other gymnasts from the north for the right to represent the region at national level.
Gold went first to the NDP One women’s pair of Bethany Blackburn and Iris Pinny.
Also striking gold were the NDP Two women’s pair of Amber Askew and Poppy Wilthew, the NDP Three women’s pair of Lucy Weallans and Mia Nigrelli and the NDP Three men’s group of Edward Payne, Ben Wardle, Ryan Lannon and Joshua Robson.
The women’s NDP Four women’s group of Ebony Young, Amelia Harrison and Ella Rodgerson also triumphed, as did the NDP Five women’s group of Kaira Farrier, Ariana Dubov and Eilidh MacDougall.
There was also gold medal glory for the mixed pair of Alec Lowes and Abi Marshall and the women’s group of Chelsea Nesbitt, Emily Dodd and Frankie Ryman.
Silvers went to the Grade Three mixed pair of Joshua Ashton and Alanah Gregory-Lee, the Grade Three women’s group of Bracken Childs, Jennifer Murphy and Ella Snowden and the Grade Four women’s group of Grace Robson, Emily Wilson and Katie Dunn.
Fifth place was recorded by Charlie Jones and Esme Lowes.
Katie Lawton, acrobatics coach at Deerness, said: “Yet again our gymnasts have done themselves, their parents and the club proud.
“These are great results for our developing gymnasts and the gold medallists are looking forward to competing at the next level.
“Here at Deerness we have a strong history as a competitive club and our young gymnasts have been working so hard to prepare for competition and gaining the confidence and skills participating in competitive events brings.
“It is great to see their hard work and commitment resulting in success, which will hopefully inspire and encourage more people to become involved with the club.”