Six gymnastic teams from a Seaham primary school are twirling with joy to scoop a clutch of medals.
St Cuthbert’s Catholic Primary School, which is part of Bishop Chadwick Catholic Education Trust, took six teams of children from Year 1 to Year 6, plus two individual open competitors, to a Key Steps competition run by the Easington School Sports Partnership.
They have been working incredibly hard on their floor and vault routines with their gymnastics coach Francesca Scarr – and all that hard work has paid off.
One of the solo gymnasts in Year 6 won a silver medal for a routine he had choreographed himself. Liam Wallace, 11, said: “I’m proud of myself and the other pupils who took part. It was a nerve-wracking but fun day and we couldn’t have done it without Miss Scarr.”
Competing in four competitions and with 12 medals up for grabs, the talented gymnasts came home with five medals. Two creative solo gymnasts performed routines that they had choreographed themselves. The Y1/2 teams won gold and silver medals, one of the Y3/4 teams won silver, and one of the Y5/6 teams won bronze. The teams also took a couple of fourth places in the competition.
Elaine Parlett, deputy headteacher of St Cuthbert’s, said: “This was a fantastic achievement and the children faced some tough competition.
“We are incredibly proud of our gymnasts. They’ve been enthusiastic about extra sessions and clubs and all really pulled together as teams. It was lovely to hear so many positive comments about their teamwork and great sporting attitude as well. I’m sure they would all join me in saying a huge thank you to Miss Scarr, our fantastic teaching assistant and gymnastics coach.”
