The Mossman & District Gymnastics Club attended its first competition for the year over the Queen’s Birthday long weekend at the 2012 RACQ Insurance North Queensland Games Mackay Region.

Nine clubs were represented over the three day comp, displaying the best North Queensland has to offer in the physically demanding and perfectionist sport of gymnastics.

It has been a quiet start to the year as far as competitions go, however our local gymnasts have been diligently training and honing their skills in preparation for this event, with eight of our top female gymnasts willing to make the six hour car journey to the event.

“The girls were up against some tough competition as many of the other clubs have the luxury of training their competition gymnasts for nine hours each week,” head coach Sonja Zettl said.

“It is an exacting sport and you only get one chance to get it right on the day.”

Gym mum Erin Frizelle praised the efforts of the girls representing the region.

“The girls did exceptionally well dealing with the stress of travel and strange surroundings, with some even battling a virus which had struck them down just days before.

"But the girls just got out there and did their thing regardless, not wanting to miss this amazing experience.”

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From WAG Level 1, newcomers Alyssa Heisse and Tori Baird performed well with Alyssa winning third on Vault and fifth on Floor out of 11 girls in the older group, and Tori close behind with eighth on Beam and ninth on Bars out of 14.

From WAG Level 2, the experienced Della Miller and Tali Hoye did not disappoint. Della nailed it placing second on Floor and third on Bars, coming second overall out of 26 competitors.

Meanwhile Tali won second on Floor in the younger group and fourth on Vault coming eighth out of 17.

Kahli Frizelle did well for her first ever competition claiming Vault as her strong point with a fifth placing out of 26 girls and hovering around the middle on the other apparatus.

From WAG Level 3, Olivia Dollard excelled placing third on Floor and fifth on Vault, coming in tenth out of 32 girls.

Shayla and Jacinta Frizelle, both weakened by a virus, struggled to meet their usual standards but showed prowess on their favourite apparatus, with Shayla placing sixteenth on Bars out of 32, and Jacinta placing fourteenth on Vault out of 31 in the older group. It was a testament to their strong determination and discipline in the face of adversity.

It was a great experience for all involved with fun and friendships to be gained along the way. Head coach Sonja Zettl did a remarkable job guiding her gymnasts through their routines along with the help of fellow coach Deanne Hoye.

Sonja especially appreciated the help of gym mum Sharon Miller who was tireless in her assistance throughout the event.

Mossman & District Gymnastics accepts new members at any time, so why not join up for Term 3? For new enrolments you can contact the club by calling Sonja on 0417 702 534, email enquiries to info@mossmangymnastics.com, or visit their website at www.mossmangymnastics.com.