THE Portland Gymnastics Club hosted their biggest event of the year across the weekend with an impressive turnout at their Yarraman Park facility.

While there was plenty of challenging competition from around the region, local coach Brooke Smith was pleased with how the Portland gymnasts delivered in their events.

“Our gymnasts put on a fantastic performance over the weekend with strong delivery,” she said.

“I was really impressed with how they executed their routines on each apparatus, which was reflected in the results that they achieved.

“Our gymnasts and coaches have been working hard this year to be competition ready and it’s really showing.

“I think this is definitely our most successful year for a while, especially in regard to our junior level gymnasts. Hopefully this will encourage them to stay in the sport and progress through to the higher levels where they can represent the club at the state level.”

Over $7000 was raised for the club with the competition running well despite catering for large numbers.

“The whole weekend ran very smoothly, mostly on time and was a lovely, relaxed competition,” Smith said.

“We welcomed clubs from all around Victoria’s west region including Hamilton, Natimuk, Blue Lake, Millicent, Warrnambool, Ballarat and Stawell.

“We managed to raise in excess of $7000 which will go towards improving our equipment, facility, and coach development.

“We had also had three full teams for both WAG (women’s artistic gymnastics) level one and two which was awesome, and we even had a team of MAG (men’s artistic gymnastics) level one boys. I can’t remember the last time we had these numbers in the lower levels, it’s very exciting.

“Events such as this wouldn’t be possible without assistance from our dedicated committee, parent volunteers, and sponsors and local businesses. We would just like to say a massive thankyou to Quest, Baker’s Delight, The Upper Cut Butchers, Portland Secondary College, Amcal, Kevin Paisleys, Sports Power, Portland Funeral Homes, Admellas Fruit and Veg, Portland Disposals, Gunna’s Surf, Guardian Pharmacy, Gazebo Hair and Henty St Fish and Chips.”