Just because it’s not possible to attend classes in person, it doesn’t mean children can’t challenge themselves, demonstrate their skills and earn rewards, such as highly sought after gold medals. This is the philosophy of all Springfit Gym Clubs, who provided a “virtual” tumbling competition this week to boost the morale of members who are missing their gymnastics.
Since the beginning of the year, gymnasts at all seven Springfit Clubs had been working hard on their tumble runs as part of the regular training calendar phases. The cancellation of classes and annual competition due to the Coronavirus outbreak was, of course, disappointing for the many passionate and enthusiastic children who enter each year.
The introduction of Springfit Online, however, offered an opportunity to make the competition far more accessible to all ability levels by submitting home videos of their tumble runs to the platform which would be scored by qualified judges who were all supporting the event from home.
Adapting to a “virtual” event brought many added benefits too. With no entry fee, zero travel costs, no waiting around for parents and fewer nerves due to a more comfortable competition environment, the announcement of this remodelled event was welcomed by many. We received some superb videos of our members performing moves at home, in gardens and even in the house!
The organisers provided broader entry guidelines and revised judging criteria which allowed children to express creativity and crucially was scored on effort, as well as style and execution. This was especially important considering the range of environments and limited equipment available to members in their own homes.
In the under 10’s category 8-year-old Olivia, who trains at Springfit’s East Grinstead Club, received a gold medal in the post for her impressive routine which involved a lovely forward roll, backward roll to straddle stand and round-off. Most impressively, it was performed on a mat in her hallway due to the garden being remodelled and therefore out of use!
Also receiving a gold medal in the post was 11-year-old Eloise who trains in advanced classes at both Springfit’s Horley and Forge Wood venues. Eloise’s exciting and inventive tumble was performed in her garden and involved a front and back somersault as well as a beautifully held handstand. There can be no doubt it was thoroughly deserving of recognition.
Head judge Adam was very impressed and said “we are so pleased to see people continuing their enjoyment of gymnastics and extend our thanks to those who took part. The joy and effort people are showing in our Online Group will no doubt motivate and inspire others to keep their skills up, which has been our aim since the lockdown began. Looking after physical health and mental wellbeing is so important, and we are committed to continuing our service to everyone in this regard on a daily basis.”
In such difficult times it is important that we stay active. With Springfit continuing to support over 350 members through their online platform with instructional videos, conditioning workouts, regular challenges, live sessions and modified competitions, we have shown this can be achieved, and are receiving great feedback about the platform. We would like to thank everyone who is participating, interacting and following along with our team of dedicated coaches.
A virtual acro competition is planned for June, and much more encouragement is continuing to be provided at Springfit Online. Membership is even available for those who were not regular members of in-person classes, with priority places on waiting lists available for when classes return.
Pictured above is both of the virtual tumbling competition winners Eloise and Olivia proudly displaying their gold medals and certificate of participation.
Remember Stay Safe, Stay Active, Stay Springfit!
