On Saturday April 16, 2016, the Skylarks debuted their brand new Rhythmics costumes in style! Competing in Hoop, Ribbon, Rope and Ball routines, against 7 teams from across Southern Ontario, the gymnasts did Special Olympics Burlington proud, bringing home LOTS of ribbons.

Our Rhythmic Gymnasts all competed individually in front of eight judges in the invitational hosted by the Durham Special Olympics team, with a huge audience of family and friends.  We were absolutely amazed by their polished, professional performances, as this was the first time any of them had attempted this year’s brand new Special Olympics routines in a competition.  There was lots of well deserved cheering and clapping, as each athlete really rose to the occasion.

Special mention to Laura C and Laura S who were both awarded first place in their division for their Rope routines, Katie W and Sierra who won first in their Ball divisions, and Laura S who picked up another first in Ribbon.  Two of our gymnasts also moved up a division for the first time, with Candace making it into the A division and Katie B into the B division. The delight on the faces of all the team, each time one of their fellow athletes were awarded a ribbon, was wonderful to see.

The girls’ hair looked beautiful in french braids, with matching bows and glitter.

It was a long day, with the competition starting at 8.15am and ending at 6pm, but everyone went home tired and very happy with their results and great day of performing and hanging with their Special Olympics friends!

Thank you to Coach Cate and Coach Sue who made this such a wonderful, successful day for all involved.

Want a taste of what it was like at the competition? Watch a very cool video (below) of Sierra performing, which shows a little from each of the routines!