Broome’s best young gymnasts fly high at regional competition

Broome’s best young gymnasts travelled to Karratha earlier this month to compete in the North West Regional Gymnastics Association Championships. Pearl Coast Gymnastics Club sent 28 of their high-flying young gymnasts to test their skills at the two-day competition held across Saturday and Sunday, July 3 to 4. Among the mix were six men’s artistic gymnasts and 22 women’s artistic gymnasts, with their skills ranging from level two through to level five. All gymnasts in attendance also competed in tumbling. Pearl Coast Gymnastics Club coach Amber Rann said the gymnasts had been preparing for eight weeks. “They’ve done a huge amount of preparation and are all confident with their routines,” she said. Ms Rann said the youngsters had overcome a lot of challenges along the way, including being from a small country town. “We don’t have the same equipment as the city,” she said. “Our kids have to learn to flip without sprung floors and so many of them have learnt to backflip and sault on hard matting. “The fact that they’ve achieved this is a testament to their natural talent.” The event created the opportunity for young athletes to gain valuable exposure at a regional level, learn new skills and build their network. Pearl Coast Gymnastics Club had performed well in Karratha in previous years, winning countless medals and even overall champion of the meet. Operating out of the Broome Senior High School gymnasium, the club offers recreational and competitive gymnastics programs for children of all ages. The club is also affiliated with the North West Regional Gymnastics Association, Gymnastics WA and Gymnastics Australia.