Gymstars shine in Belgium competition

A team from Gymstars Gymnastics Club, of Tarxien, recently travelled to Belgium for a high-profile international competition involving other clubs from Belgium, Italy, United Kingdom, Ireland, Austria, France and Luxembourg.

The Maltese side, with Francesca Borg, Audrey Schembri, Roxanne Bonnici and Nicolette Schembri among the members in the group, had a very positive showing and finished third overall. Nine teams were taking part.

Borg, Bonnici and the two Schembris put aside the upset of not taking part in the Island Games in Crete following a controversial decision by the national federation, to leave their mark in Belgium.

Borg was the most successful gymnast in individual events.

She finished second and won a silver medal. Borg was third on floor and bars and second in vault.

The results were a great boost for the club and coaches Plamen Angelov and Philip Caruana Turner.

Therese Cassar was another club gymnast in the tournament. She left a good impression, particularly in vault, and so did Kirsty Caruana, Martina Galea, Kimberly Stivala and Mia Vickery.

In the boys' category, Jeremy Saywell was third overall after fine performances in the bars, floor and vault. Joe Muscat was fifth overall.

In the coming months more Gymstars members will be going abroad for international competitions in England, France and Italy.

In July, the club will be holding a second international competition open to all. During the event, the club will also hold a training camp with the participation of foreign gymnasts and coaches.