Date: Sunday 28th January 2024 at Whittlesford
Entries close: 2024-01-12
Entry ages: 4 years +
It was just over four years ago when Cambridge Cangaroos last hosted their annual club competition. Various factors had prevented the event in the following years so it was truly wonderful to see it rise back with a bang.
This was only the second competition hosted in our new centre and whilst you might be forgiven for thinking that this might be easier than a sports centre it does come with it's own challenges. The setup team had been hard at work for months planning, timetabling, allocating and organsing the many moving parts that go into this event. Everything from the IT setup to the food was planned out with fresh eyes and a level of dedication that was heartwarming to behold.
The evening before the team were getting the venue ready making space, setting up chairs, placing stalls and so much more it was a true wonder they did not pull an all-nighter.
Sunday arrived and an early start saw the volunteers in making last minute adjustments. The event kicked off on time with the TPD competition - this is for gymnasts with additional needs and is hosted first and is a wonderful way to remind ourselves that Cangaroos is inclusive for everyone.
Following on from TPD was the first ever full club DMT competition with many having their first ever taste of competitive DMT at this very event. Extra thanks here should go to Luis who came in to chair and help the rest of the judges to understand how to judge DMT as many had not before. Again the gymnasts were awesome with the highlight being Harry sticking his Rudy dismount!
As the DMT concluded we welcomed in Jamie Andersen our photogrpaher for the day who took 100s of photos throughout the day. These photos are available on his website and the password will be emailed to all members. Jamie took the legendary club photo with this year Sydney providing the classic swan somersault in the background.
The event now turned to the trampoline with over 100 entries across the day. These ranged from beginners all through to our FIG elite. With so many outstanding performances it was impossible to single out any individuals. What we will say is that getting on a trampoline to compete is one of the hardest things to do. Regardless of how you score, position, perform Cangaroos is proud of each and everyone of you. As any coach will tell you it's all about the effort and commitment and today inspired us all to keep helping you achieve great things.
Mid way through the day was the famous "Coaches Ego Cup" which is an event only for Cangaroos coaches. This year was probably one of the most even event we have ran with only one currently competitive gymnast in the field. But it was Mrs Competition herself Nicky Andersen who took gold by some distance ahead of Ali and Heather. In tradition head coach Tony brought up the rear (but one) of the field but did well for an old guy!
As the trampoline concluded the final event of the day is the synchro. This year it was split into upper and lower categories based on gymnast level. If that was not enough the event is also performed in fancy dress with prizes for the best outfits. There were wallies, onesies, animals and a specturm of colourful costumes that graced the trampolines with magnificent performances. But it was the resident superheroes Eloise and Isla who took the prize for best costume. The lower synchro event was won by the pairing of Sammie and Isobel, and perhaps fittingly, the upper event was won by our former competitor and chair-for-the-day, Luis who took gold with Sydney performing a beautiful routine.
That drew the event to it's conclusion and the club wishes to thank our army of volunteer including committee members, judges, coaches, parents, helpers, stall runners and gymnasts who made the event so special. We also want to thank all the kind donations from parents for cakes and prizes that made the stalls such a roaring success. Above all the club wishes to thank the legend that was the driving force to run the event even when at times the going got tough, Nicky Andersen!
So that was it for 2024's club competition and we look forward to the next one with great anticipation. If this event gave you the buzz for competiting, coaching or judging regardless of your knowledge or experience let us know. It is a wonderful sport to be involved with.
A few final reminders...
If you are wanting to pick up some of the new club kit you can do so on our website's kit page.
If you would like to order a leotard please fill in the Google Form and Nicky will be in touch with you directly.
We still have spaces in some sessions in trampoline and DMT if you would like to start or add sessions to your week! There are also day time play sessions over the school half term!