Kicking Horse Gymnastics Club headed to a snowy Castlegar, B.C., to compete in the club’s first competition of the season.
Three athletes represented Golden at the Selkirk Challengers Kootenay Cup.
Reggie Watson had his best all-around meet of his gymnastics career competing in men’s artistic gymnastics in B.C. Provincial level one with an all-around gold with a score of 52.6 out of a possible 60. He placed first on high bar (8.25), parallel bars (8.85), floor (9.3), pommel horse (8.5), and second on vault (8.725), and rings (8.975).
Sarah Watson competed for the first time in Junior Olympic level five. She received gold medals on all events and all around. Her all-around score was 31.75 with vault (8.7), uneven bars (7.35), beam (7.7) and floor (8.0). This was Watson’s first time competing her front and back tucked saltos on the floor, back walkover on the beam, clear hip circle, and flyaway on the bars.
Saumya Kumar competed for the first time in Junior Olympic level four. She placed seventh all around with a score of 31. She received a bronze medal for floor (8.45), fourth on vault (8.775), sixth on bars (7.325), and seventh on beam (6.45). This was Kumar’s first time competing a double back-handspring and front handspring on floor, a cartwheel on the beam, a handspring on vault, and both a low and high bar kip on bars.
The next meet for the Kicking Horse Gymnastics athletes is the Key City Classic, March 2 to 4, in Cranbrook. There will be 13 athletes representing Golden in Junior Olympic levels one through seven, performance plus, and high school levels.
Operating and coaching costs for the club is largely donated by sponsors and fundraisers. The Christmas tree fundraiser raised money to go toward coach travel expenditures, and another fundraiser in the spring will raise money for coaching fees and coaching development.
This spring, the club will welcome Lady Grey Elementary students to the gym for physical education visits. Kicking Horse Gymnastics Club focuses on positive athlete development, creating a space for participants to develop competence, confidence, character, compassion, and connection. This year, there are more than 250 members involved with the club.
For details on club activities and programs, e-mail the club directly at khgym@hotmail.com.
