The Norfolk Academy
of Gymnastics
Unit 10
Rookery Business Park
Silver Street
Besthorpe
Attleborough
NR17 2LD
T: 01953 453309
Email: info@tnag.co.uk
NORFOLK CHAMPS PREVIEW - GOOD LUCK GIRLS!
31/08/2009
The packed voluntary competition season gets underway on Sunday 6th September with the Norfolk Voluntary Championships taking place at Norwich G.C. The Norfolk Academy sends a squad of 29 gymnasts to the event – its youngest competitors are aged only 7 and the most senior is aged 14. Five different levels are being contested across various age groups and TNAG is the only club to have representatives across all of the levels in all of the age categories. Level 5 is the lowest level in the competition and it provides an introduction to the demanding world of voluntary levels gymnastics. Most of the level 5 competitors will be competing voluntary routines for the first time. There has been a huge entry for the level 5 competition with 42 gymnasts taking part across 3 age groups (8 years, 9-10 years and 11 years plus), representing five different clubs. TNAG has the biggest entry with 15 gymnasts at this level. The level 5 competition will no doubt be hotly contested and makes up the morning session of the event. The afternoon session will see the higher level gymnasts compete at levels 4, 3, 2 and FIG. Across all of the clubs in the county only 18 gymnasts have been entered for those higher levels – 14 of those gymnasts are from the Academy. Unfortunately this means that a number of our gymnasts are in uncontested categories. However, as usual, internal competition is fierce and county championships are at stake so nothing should take away from the importance of the event. The gymnasts at levels 4 and 3 out of age are also required to qualify via the county competition for the regional finals later in the year. At level 4 TNAG has seven of the ten competitors. Bethany Harmer kicks off what could be a really exciting season for her, in the level 4 in age competition where she is challenged by Dulcie Canham and Jessica Scarlett of Norwich. At level 4 10-11 years TNAG will be aiming for a clean sweep with Melissa Brown, Georgia Bunn and Charlotte Taylor competing against Norwich’s Chloe Mason. At 12-13 years the TNAG girls will be fighting amongst themselves for the gold, with Shyla Norkett, Sienna Sprong and Grace Ashworth the only entrants. All of the aforementioned gymnasts will also battle for the overall level 4 trophy. The level 3 rules demand a higher level of difficulty from the gymnasts and only Norfolk Academy girls are entered at this level. Lucy Jarvis competes at in age (10 years), with Polina Polyakova at 11-12 years and Naomi Loome at 13 years plus. All of these girls will be showcasing new moves and combinations and will again be fighting for the overall level 3 trophy.
By the time a gymnast reaches level 2 the demands being made of her in terms of difficulty are very close to full FIG code. Angel Kenzitt and Emily Crowe compete at level 2 in age (11 years). Angel is continuing her recovery from a painful knee injury and may be slightly short of full difficulty, but Emily plans to unveil a number of new skills and combinations. At level 2 14 years plus Sarah Kett also returns to competition after another difficult year of injuries – let’s hope Sarah can stay fit and put in a clean performance to set her up for the rest of the season.
13 year old Summer-Jade Kenzitt will compete at FIG level with Norwich’s senior gymnasts Natalie Jarvis. These gymnasts will be marked on the full code of points, that which is used at the Olympic games and so don’t be fooled by the lower scores that these gymnasts may receive – they are required to meet extremely demanding requirements. The Academy gymnasts have worked extremely hard over the summer and the latest control competitions suggest that they are ready to go! Interested gymnasts and parents not involved in the competition are welcomed to attend to watch the event and continue our tradition of great support. This is particularly the case for the 2002 and 2003 born Elite Development Squads whom we encourage to attend to see how competitions work. The level 5 competitors march on at 9.50am and their presentation is scheduled for 12 noon. Level 5 parents and gymnasts are asked wherever possible to stay on and support the girls competing in the afternoon. The afternoon session starts at 12.30 and is due to conclude at 3.00pm. No doubt the tradition of attending Fatso’s afterwards will also continue – anyone wishing to do so may want to book their own table as it may well be busy!
