‘Absolutely magic’ time at Poverty Bay gymnastics festival

FROM FLOOR TO SKY: Mata school sisters Rhiana and Karina Jane point toes to the sky.

STUDENTS from across the region have spent the last two days balancing on beams, bouncing on trampolines, somersaulting and cartwheeling at the annual Poverty Bay Schools’ Gymnastics Festival.

The festival came to an end last night as outstanding participants displayed their talents at the callback performance.

Guest performances by members of Gisborne Gymnastics Club also featured, including a Cirque du Soleil-style silk display.

Event organiser and Sport Gisborne Tairawhiti schools partnership coordinator Phil Robinson was pleased with this year’s festival.

“It was a success all round. There was a lot of positive feedback from parents and teachers,” said Mr Robinson.

The second day featured performances by rural, intermediate and senior school students in the artistic section, and intermediate and senior school students in the rhythmic section.

Hard to choose a stand-outMr Robinson said it was hard to choose a stand-out act although he was impressed by Mata School, which brought its entire student roll of six to the festival.

The school is located inland from Tokomaru Bay, requiring students to travel nearly two hours to make the competition and stay overnight on Tuesday.

Mata principal David Jane and his students were thoroughly impressed by their first year at the competition.

“They absolutely loved it,” said Mr Jane. “I can’t speak highly enough of the management and Phil. It was absolute magic.”

It wasn’t just enthusiasm that Mata School took away from the festival. They also won the rural category for their rhythmic gymnastics display.

Other first place winners in this section were Wainui Beach School (primary), Campion College (intermediate) and Gisborne Girls’ High team 3 (senior).

All grade sheets and certificates will be delivered to schools before the weekend.