SUMMER RECREATIONAL COMPETITION 2024

Welcome to the SAADI Summer Recreational Competition,

written by Farida Porter.

There is excitement in the air with anticipation for the start of the Saadi gymnastics competition.

Watching the various groups of children, sectioned by age, warming up- you can see their radiant faces filled with unbridled excitement at taking part and the prospect of winning a ribbon or gleaming medal and being part of a club.  In the run up to the start of the event, the kids are inquisitively asking their coaches questions about tactics on how they can do an outstanding, seamless performance. The view illuminates a rainbow of coloured leotards; children are warming up with stretches on the regal ruby red carpet, their skills shown in handstands, roll backs, and somersaults  -all delicately choregraphed. 

A wave of applause echoes round the hall as proud parents watch their offspring perform with elegance and flair  - girls high fiving  their coach once they’ve finished their performance, knowing they’ve smashed it and given it their all.

I interviewed some parents on the day about how they and their kids felt about the day -

Amanda Ellison: 
“My daughter, Beatrice, aged six, has been coming to Saadi gymnastics since last September. Beatrice loves coming here as there is not too much pressure on the kids, she has made friends and enjoys the club environment “

Nick Murray: 
“Ada is seven, she’s been really excited to be competing in this competition and she’s been practicing in the corridors at home. I’m so glad she comes here to let off steam, it’s a lovely day out, especially as it’s Father’s Day today. I’m so proud to be watching her.

Clare Clementson :
“My daughter, Georgiana, aged 5 has been coming to Saadi gymnastics since she was three.
The gym has built up Georgiana’s confidence in a friendly familiar environment. Saadi gymnastics is a lovely introduction to sport in general and I’m sure it enhances children’s self-esteem. The preschool classes provide an excellent foundation for children and pave the way for their journey in gymnastics. Perfect ratio for coaches to children, so well done to coaches and management.”

A group of children approached me and exploded with excitement saying they had done much better than they thought they would do. Next, the finale  - the award ceremony to wrap up a fabulous day. The girls were awarded ribbons and medals of first, second, and third for various gymnastic categories. The pride of the parents and the excitement of the children was infectious, there was an atmosphere of  utter elation in the hall as awards were collected and snippets of the day exchanged between happy parents and their children 

All in all, a very special, memorable day and very apt that the competition took place on Father’s Day ! Thank you everyone for your unique and first class contributions. 

Farida Porter