Cedars Gymnasts flip for fun ahead of national championships
Cedar Gymnastics Club's Gia George, left, and Mikah Vlotman, pictured here at last year's SA Gym Games in Wynberg, are among a number of club members gearing up for next month's national championships, in Mafikeng and Centurian
Image: Fuad Esack
While gymnastics can be a serious and highly technical affair, all about precision and discipline, there’s no reason why it can’t be fun, said Cedars Gymnastics Club development officer Wesley Davidson.
Club members gathered at Cedars High School last Friday for a lively photoshoot and a bit of controlled chaos, ahead of national competitions due to take place in October.
Trying to orchestrate a group photo of more than 126 energetic gymnasts, aged between 6 and 17 years, can be a daunting task, but Davidson and the club coaches kept the energy in check and the smiles in place.
Cedar Gymnastics Club coach Dillan de le Cruz keeps a close eye on Mikah Vlotman following last Friday's photoshoot.
Image: Fuad Esack
Once the formalities were done, it was time for the youngsters to show off the flips, twists, and tumbles they’ve been perfecting for months.
“It is important to have fun as we work with young children and youths, and we have to keep them interested in the sport,” said Davidson, whose responsibilities include strengthening community partnerships and enhancing club visibility.
However, trying to secure much-needed funding for travelling, competition fees, and equipment remains a constant headache, a balance act of a different kind, he said.
Cedar gymnasts Gia Georgia and Mikah Vlotman in action at last year's SA Gym Games, in Wynberg.
Image: Fuad Esack
Club members will be in action at next month’s national aerobics and acrobatics championships in Mafikeng and Centurion, respectively.
“The disciplines we focus on are acrobatics, aerobics, and Gym for All,” Davidson said.
“We have fundraisers to obtain equipment; however, gymnastics equipment is expensive, and fundraising is not always enough,” he said.
Cedars Gymnastic Club has training sessions at Cedars High School, Monday to Friday, from 3pm to 6pm.
For more information — or to support the club, call 081 512 8737.
Cedar's Bailey Mayer takes to the floor following last week's photoshoot.
Image: Fuad Esack
Cedar Gymnastics Club's Meogelin Bergstedt, Gia George and Justine Arendse during an impromptu dance session following last Friday's photoshoot.
Image: Fuad Esack
Cedar Gymnastics Club's Laylah Oelf and Mikah Vlotman during last Friday's photoshoot.
Image: Fuad Esack
Pictured are,Paysley Visagie , Laylah Oelf, Caithlynn Daniels, Resha Davidson, Mikah Vlotman, Ashura Frolick and Gia George.
Image: Fuad Esack
Cedar gymnasts wasted no time to show off their flexibility following last Friday's photoshoot at Cedar High School.
Image: Fuad Esack
Cedars Gymnastics Club members due to take part in the upcoming national gymnastics championships, in Mafikeng, are, from left: Caithlynn Daniels, Paisley Visagie, Layla Oelf, Resha Davidson, Mikah Vlotman, Ashurah Frolick and Gia Georgia.
Image: Fuad Esack
Cedar Gymnastics Club members gather for a group photo ahead of upcoming competitions.
Image: Fuad Esack