The Cayman Islands went head to head with Canada in the Motions Unlimited Inhouse Mock Invitational held Wednesday, 9 Oct., with young gymnasts sharing the spotlight in front of an appreciative crowd.
The event, now in its third year, featured competitors from Level 2 and Xcel Bronze categories challenging themselves not for bragging rights but rather to gain experience while strengthening international ties.
Five young Canadians from Riverdale Flip and Tumble gymnastics from Toronto showed their skills along with the Cayman prospects, in addition to being treated with a routine from retired Turkish World Championship competitor Ekin Morova.
“It went great; it’s a friendly competition, there is no scoring, but it is important for the children to go out there for the first time, represent themselves in front of their parents; so, it’s a very positive thing,” Sibylle Mueller-Ritter, head coach for Riverdale’s team, told the Compass.
Though Mueller-Ritter has taken her coaching to Canada, Cayman gymnastics holds a special place in her heart. She was a founding member of the sport when it first launched on the island and played a key role in opening a Motions Unlimited, which has since grown.
She said the mock invitational is valuable not only for the growth of the athletes but for the sport locally, which she noted has progressed each year.
“It’s amazing, the children look wonderful, they have wonderful coaches, it’s a great programme, the equipment is amazing, the sport is doing well,” she said.
Coach Kelley Paz at Motions Unlimited said having Mueller-Ritter and her team here has been a joy.
“[Mueller-Ritter] has always been a key figure in Cayman gymnastics, and her dedication to maintaining this annual tradition is a testament to the lasting relationships she has built here,” Paz said.
Both Paz and Mueller-Ritter confirmed that the invitational competition is one that will continue between Cayman and Canada.
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