As the Battlefords Gymnastics Club continues to grow, new disciplines are being added for the athletes to try.
Earlier this winter, rhythmic gymnastics was introduced to the artistic elements that the competitive team members are already competing in.
“With those two elements and a trampoline program we’ll be introducing this fall, it’s a pretty exciting time for the club,” coach Kelsee Douglas said.
“It gives the kids a variety of things to try out as they might feel they a better fit in rhythmic gymnastics as opposed to the artistic events. There is a spot for everyone in the gym now.”
Douglas, who is from Saskatoon and joined the club as a coach in December, watched on from the sidelines at St. Vital School Saturday as seven members of the team took part in the Aurora Borealis rhythmic gymnastics competition.
“I think I was more nervous than that kids were, but they did an excellent job,” Douglas said.
“This was the first meet for most of the girls so we really focused on executing their routines. We wanted to make sure they were as comfortable as possible out there as you don’t want to be caught remembering what move is next when your in front of judges and a crowd.”
Fellow BGC coach Danielle Clark was seated in one of the judges chairs during the meet, which was the first rhythmic gymnastics meet hosted by the club, and was enthused by what she saw.
“I’ve been judging at a few events this year and I would say that’s the best I’ve seen the girls perform,” Clark said.
“In addition to our girls, we had competitors from Warman and Wawota here that have been in a couple of meets already, and everyone was hitting their marks on some of the harder skills.”
According to Douglas, the biggest challenge that the gymnasts have faced in getting used to the rhythmic element is the fact they are using equipment in their routines.
“Moving around with the equipment while the music is going is obviously a challenge, but it’s the little things that might not think about that often than you have to focus on,” Douglas said.
“In artistic gymnastics strength and flexibility are important, but in rhythmic gymnastics it’s that straight knee or pointed toe that’s the key and where exactly you catch the baton or ribbon, because you might have a deduction in points if something’s a little bit off.”
With the solo performances out of the way, Douglas will be working with the team on their first group routines in the coming weeks.
“That’s going to be a little bit tricky as the timing is a little bit more of an issue,” Douglas said.
“However, the girls are looking forward to it and I’m excited to see how they adapt to that challenge.”
