PORTLAND Gymnastics Club hosted its annual invitational over the weekend, attracting participants from across the western region of Victoria and parts of South Australia to compete in a number of different categories and age groups, with the event described as a fantastic success.

Portland head coach Teagan Barrington said the event went as well as they could have hoped for.

“The whole weekend ran very smoothly on time and all in all was fantastic,” Barrington said.

“It was great to see all the different clubs from Victoria’s West region participating and having a fun time… we even managed to raise a total of $4433.50 over the weekend which will go towards improving our equipment and facility.”

Portland’s competitors performed exceptionally well across their events, with many taking home first place awards, to go along with several other strong finishes.

“Our WAG (women’s artistic gymnastics) Level 1s and 2s brought home a variety of gold and silver ribbons, Ayden Marra came home with first overall for our Level 2 boys,” Barrington said.

Other winners included Jasmine Siemon coming first in the WAG Level 5 session, while Quaysha Marra came first in WAG Level 6.

Jessica Fyfe and Varli Marra were also a close second in WAG Level 5.

“All our gymnasts did an incredible job, and I am so proud of all their efforts from over the weekend,” Barrington said.

“It was amazing to see all the family and friends coming to watch their respective gymnasts compete in our competition.

“We had around 80-plus participants and spectators in the facility in any given session… as this was our first comp back since 2019 the turnout was incredible, and I hope all those in the audience enjoyed what Portland had to offer over the weekend as well as the comp.”

Barrington added that this competition will be a great stepping-stone for the participants, especially younger gymnasts who haven’t competed before.

“For our higher-level gymnasts competition in Portland is just like any other comp however for our younger gymnasts who use this as their first comp it is a great way to start introducing them into the competition world,” she said.

“We also used this comp to help train some of our coaches and show them what it is like to go around at a competition without the nerves of it being away.

“I’m proud of both our first-time competitors and these coaches as everyone did amazing and had a fun time.”

This was the second-last competition of the year for Portland’s gymnasts, with their last chance to compete in 2022 just around the corner, as they’ll travel to Natimuk for a competition on November 12-13.

As with most local sporting events, this invitational could not have gone ahead without the support of the local community around it.

“I would just like to say a massive thankyou to Quest, Baker’s Delight, Kelcar, Arrow Fisheries, Halliday’s Butchers, and Portland Secondary College for sponsoring our competition,” Barrington said.

“And to all the families who either volunteered or donated food for our canteen it was very much appreciated from all involved.”

More pictures in next Tuesday’s edition.