Very recently Gymstars Gymnastics Club organised successfully the traditional international competition in Artistic Gymnastics, the 12th edition of the series since they started in 2004.

This was a competition that deserves special mention - full of colour and excitement with the highest number of foreign clubs and athletes that ever took part. They provided a spectacle of gymnastics to the full house present on both. It was a unique competition that has become a much awaited event in the Malta’s sporting calendar.

The competition attracted gymnasts from England, Scotland, Germany, Sweden and also for the first time a delegation from the Jordan Gymnastics Federation.

It was expected that with such high quality athletes, the competition would be stiff and challenging. Some of the English clubs also had athletes that went through to the finals of the British Gymnastics. However, notwithstanding this, Gymstars putting in their most talented members, faced the challenge with courage and determination and again managed to make Malta proud with some prestigious results.

This is further proof that Malta’s Gymnastics is rising and showing consistency. Some of the gymnasts won medals, but those who did not, also gave their hearts out and gained valuable experience.

In the higher category, Kirsty Caruana again showed that she is the ‘Queen’ of Malta’s Gymnastics. After her success at the Island Games in Sicily, at Gymstars she managed to gain a bronze on vault and also finished second overall against strong opposition. In the same category, Adreana Zammit continued her progress showing class in her routines.

In the lower categories, Sana Grillo was most impressive producing some excellent performances. She won a gold medal on vault and finishing second overall. Claire Azzopardi did not win any medals, but won the admiration of all with her courage and determination.

Suzanne Buttigieg again showed her potential when finishing fifth overall from over 54 athletes and also coming third on vault.

Two other athletes from Gymstars, Julie Ann Fenech finished 5th on vault at the D competition, while Sara Paris also left her mark in gaining 4th place on vault and fifth on floor.

In other categories, competition C 10 to 13 years, Mia Vickery again distinguished herself in gaining another gold medal when giving a high performance on floor and also finishing third overall. In the same category Tara Dalli showed that she has a promising future when she finished fifth overall.

The foreign clubs had their own stars, such as Mercedes Miladinovic of Rochdale, Imagen King of Port Regis, Anna Monso de Zunigo of Ladywell, Jenna Pratt of Meapa, Jessica Daykin of Wiltshire, Caralino Sanchez from Germany, Nameti Alhendi of Jordan and Elin Sandberg from Sweden. These all showed exciting and high level gymnastics.

The official opening of the event was made by Joe Caruana Curran who was representing the Parliamentary Secretary for Sport who was unable to attend.

Presentation of medals on Saturday was held by Malta’s Ambassador to Jordan, Anthony Debono, who is also a Director of the Malta Olympic Committee.