The Vernon based Okanagan Rhythmic Gymnastics team just wrapped up their most successful season ever on the national level.
The team, which has over 200 members, had 11 athletes qualify for the Canadian Nationals competition, hosted at the Pan Am Centre in Toronto.
The seniors (ages 16 and up), saw Mishra Cameron (grade 10 at VSS), Madeline Sellars (grade 11 at VSS), Camille Hardy (grade 10 at VSS) and Halle Moger (VSS grad) compete. Longtime leader and star Moger showed her experience, grace and power in winning gold in ribbon, bronze in hoop and ball and claiming silver overall.
The juniors (aged 13-15) were represented by Vernon’s Anya Massa (grade 9 student at Vernon Christian School), Pippa Hardy (grade 7 from Coldstream), Clara Cox (grade 8 at Vernon Secondary), Leila Girard (grade 7 from Beairsto) and Noelle Brierley (grade 9 at VSS). Cox placed sixth in clubs while Girard nabbed eighth after winning a silver medal in her ribbon routine.
In the qualification round, Brierley finished seventh in overall and was able to qualify for the high performance finals. That led to her selection of becoming a member of the junior Canadian National Team.
“From my perspective, this was the first time since Covid that the athletes really felt more at home in the competition environment again,” said head coach Camille Martens. “Seeing their attention to detail in their preparation, the kindness and gratitude they practiced and the way they encouraged and supported each other was inspiring. This team was sensational.”
In the novice category (ages 10-12), Nora McCoubrey (grade 6 student at Beairsto) experienced her first National Championships, and finished 14th overall.
“We wish to publicly express our thanks to the core group of supporters whose combination of dedication and skills made this possible,” said Martens. “The support of their teachers and parents, the expertise of team physiotherapist Karie Farrer, fitness trainer Sharmon Shaw, ballet master Chis Larsen, dance teacher Sarah Podollan together with coach Kelsey Anderson and the rest our phenomenal coaching/admin team, this team was able to fly. Thank you!”
More information on the club can be found at rgstars.net.
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