A LOCAL team of five young gymnasts from Ishimoto's School of Gymnastics recently competed successfully in the Gasparilla Classic gymnastics competition in Tropicana Field, Florida.

They captured four all-round trophies, including two first, one second and one third place. The competition took place on February 26.

They were led by 11-year old Shannay Gentles, who now competes at the highest level in gymnastics (Level 10). She came second with an all-round score of 36.75 just behind the top score of 37.025.

SUPPORT FROM SDF

Gentles also competed against members of the United States National Team in the Excalibur Cup International on February 13 in Virginia. This competition attracted 500 gymnasts.

She came third all-round in the open level (highest), competing with 24 other gymnasts including members of the USA National Team and coming first on the uneven bars individual event with a score of 9.625.

Gentles' training is supported by the Sports Development Foundation (SDF) through the Jamaica Amateur Gymnastics Association (JAGA).

She also receives support from the Japanese government through the Japan International Co-operation Agency (JICA). The Japanese government has donated top class equipment to JAGA for training young Jamaicans and has been critical in nurturing this sport in Jamaica.

OTHER WINNERS

Other Jamaican youth winning trophies at Gasparilla were 10-year old Nicholas Tai and nine-year old Jamin Levy, who both came first all-round competing in level five against their age groups. Megan Simmonds, 10 years old, competing in level seven copped third place all-round. All of the gymnasts, including 11-year-old Karina Warrick-Johns in level seven, won medals for individual events.

National gymnastics coach, Yasunori Ishimoto, accompanied the team, along with Japanese volunteer and boys gymnastics coach, Shin Nishida.