The eighth edition of the international competition was organised recently by Gymstars. It not only received praise for excellent organisation, but its athletes also chalked up another prestigious result.

It was a significant showing for Gymstars athletes after their outstanding bronze medal won at the Small Nations Games in Cyprus. It shows that they are reaping the rewards for their positive approach and discipline under the guidance of professional coaches from Bulgaria, Plamen Angelov Peynov, Ivelin Andreev Ivanov and Antonina Uzunova.

This was an all round positive display even though they were facing high level athletes from countries such as Bulgaria, Italy, England, Scotland, Luxembourg, Wales and others.

The official opening of the competition was made by the Chairman of the Malta Council of Sport, Bernard Vassallo, who was also deputising for the Parliamentary Secretary for Sport, who was unable to attend.

The A and B categories for girls were dominated by Iliana Sheitnova and Mileva Ralitza of Bulgaria together with Elizabeth Partridge and Oliva Platch of the Europa Club from England. These athletes were in a class of their own.

However, in the other categories, Gymstars were at their best, and gained a bagful of medals.

Kirsty Caruana in the C 10-13 category, was outstanding gaining first place overall, gold on vault and uneven bars and fourth place on floor.

Nicole Pace who was third overall, gave a credible performance, gaining first place on floor, second on unven bars and third on vault.

The other club member in Cyprus, Adreana Zammit, also gave a sound display, finishing third overall with Nicole and also second on Beam.

In the same category, Martina Galea was also in the picture, even though she did not gain any podium finish. She finished in sixth place overall out of 31 competitors.

In category C 7-9, the young Mia Vickory of Gymstars, produced a gallant performance in finishing first overall, first also on beam and uneven bars, third place on floor and fourth place on vault.

In another category, D 10-13, Tara Dalli showed her potential when finishing first overall, winning gold also on the uneven bars, third on beam and fourth on floor.

The very young girls of Gymstars, now on the elite programme, continued the positive trend and scored some impressive results that augur well for the future.

In category D 7-9, Suzanne Buttigieg and Claire Azzopardi were rewarded for their enthusiasm and determination. Suzanne Buttigieg finished second overall and came third on floor, whilst Claire Azzoaprdi was third overall and gained gold on floor.

Kyaley Bondin and Sana Grillo, although not winning any medals, showed progress. It is evident that they are the girls for the future.

The Gymstars Boys did not lack behind. They showed progress and discipline. Their progress is a boost for gymnastics in general and they deserve respect.

The Camilleri brothers, Matthias and Isaac, dominated Category C14-16, when they finsihed first and second overall respectively. Besides, Matthias was first on floor, high bars and pommel horse, and second on rings, vault and parallel bars. His brother Isaac, gained first place on parallel bars, vault and rings, and second on pommel horse and floor and third on high bars.

In the D Category for those 10-13 years, Ryan Busuttil produced another solid performance and besides finishing second overall, he finished second on high bars, rings and vault and third on pommel horse, parallel bars and floor. Another athlete in the same category, Simon Gravino finished second on pommel horse.

In the Category D for 7-9 years, another Gymstars athlete Nicky Vassallo managed to gain third place on vault. Keith Gravino and Karl Cumbo, although not being amongst the medal winners, managed to give a credible performance and showed progress.