GYMNASTS from the Hereford Sparks Club have plenty of success to celebrate in the spring competition season.

Competing on four pieces of apparatus — floor, bars, beam and vault — each gymnast who entered the regional grades 14-9 passed, with six girls gaining a distinction.

“The highest award of a gold medal was won by Jazmine O’Leary who came first in the grade 12 ‘out of age’ competition held at The North Solihull Sports Centre,” said club press officer Jane Rocca.

“Our team of gymnasts looked very elegant in their new black club tracksuits, and matching black diamanté leotards.”

But the work to get to competition standard requires plenty of dedication “The gymnasts commit to train many hours each week,” said Rocca. “This includes hours of conditioning exercises which give them the core strength to perform increasingly difficult moves.

“The girls are highly motivated by their team of dedicated coaches.”

Club members Olivia Morgan, who received the annual Emily Goring award for top gymnast, and Rachel Griffin, who was Highly Commended in the young volunteer-of-the-year section at the Herefordshire Sport awards for her volunteer coaching at Hereford Sparks, have also had prizes to celebrate.

Work is continuing at the Hereford Leisure Centre-based club to raise funds for a sprung floor.

“That is an essential item for the club as it will develop gymnasts’ tumbling skills and give them the ability to train at a higher level to compete on an even footing with other clubs,” said Rocca.“The club are looking for sponsors to help achieve this.”