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It’s always pleasing to see new sports initiatives in Bahrain, particularly when they are as successful from the start as the First Recreational Gymnastics Competition organised and hosted by the British School of Bahrain (BSB).
Aimed at younger gymnasts who train for three hours or less it provided an opportunity for the young athletes to show the skills learned in the past year, while competing for silverware with which to decorate their rooms at home.
While it was the brainchild of British School Year 1 teacher, Matt Brant, it was a collaborative effort with Saar-based CHAOSS gymnastics club who provided many of the judges.
Drawing on his experience of managing similar tournaments in the UK, Brant arranged hundreds of young gymnasts based on age and experience. Additionally, in a magnanimous gesture, he also arranged for an advanced competition for the girls and intermediate for the boys, inviting those who were unable to travel to Dubai recently with CHAOSS in order to challenge his own leading gymnasts.
The large volume of parents, siblings and friends filling the spectator area throughout the day demonstrated the support this thriving sport has in Bahrain with hundreds watching the action.
The atmosphere was electric with the audience holding their breath, waiting on every twist and turn while watching the quality of the tumbles.
It’s a great credit to the BSB to see so many youngsters, both boys and girls, learning core skills involving strength, co-ordination and balance that will hold them in good stead for any sport in the future. All categories were competing in disciplines on the floor, vault and trampette.
In the youngest group, the 4-5 year novice categories were won by the adorable in the girls and tenacious in the boys.
In another twist to entertain the crowd during the lunch-break and provide inspiration to the younger gymnasts, there were demonstrations from Nickey Payne, winner of the overall gold in Dubai at level 4, followed by Aya Lazrak who took home several medals at level 5.
The action continued immediately after the break with the pinnacle of the competition featuring the intermediate and advanced sections.
The girls advanced section was won by Charlotte Axtell who claimed three of the four gold medals on offer, including the overall section in an accomplished display that could have put her in contention for a podium position had she been able to travel to Dubai.
In the intermediate section, Charlotte Rodney claimed the overall gold medal with some elegant moves that hinted at her potential.
The boys’ intermediate category witnessed young Felix Haug display control and style that are testimony to his pedigree with his proud gymnastic parents watching on as he claimed the overall title.
Brant, who is also director of the BSB Gymnastics Academy, said: “This competition was a fabulous opportunity for gymnasts across Bahrain to come together to celebrate and demonstrate their skills and commitment to the sport.
“It was a brilliant day thanks to all the competitors, you were all marvellous! This could be the start of a wonderful Bahrain tradition.
“Thank you to everyone who helped organise, run and compete in the First Bahrain Recreational Gymnastics Competition, special thanks to our sponsors Alosra Supermarket, who have again supported the BSB community so generously and also CHAOSS!”
CHAOSS provided equipment and a number of judges, namely Cara, Debbie, Simona, Ella, Mahmood, Sara and Inna to complement the BSB coaches and parent helpers including Matt, Emma, Kacey, and Alex, while a number of the older gymnasts from both clubs assisted the youngsters.
And yet Brant will not be resting on his laurels. Next year he plans to make the event bigger and better, aiming to invite other clubs from around the region to compete.
