Dazzling show by rhythmic gymnasts at annual presentation in Thurso
Rhythmic gymnasts from Caithness put on a dazzling show at their annual display and presentation of awards.
They performed a variety of routines to a large and appreciative audience of friends and family members in Thurso High School gym, with all the music coming from songs from the movies.
Members of Caithness Rhythmic Gymnastics – a section of Caithness Amateur Gymnastics Club – had been preparing and practising for the display for almost two months.
All the hard work came to fruition as they demonstrated an impressive array of skills in varied and intricate routines, dressed in their colourful leotards and costumes. Every gymnast in the section took part.
Julia Mulvey, a long-time coach with both sections of the club, passed away suddenly earlier this year. The present coaches of the rhythmic section – Diane Gibson, Sine Hamilton and Alana Bain – decided it would be appropriate to dedicate the evening to Julia’s memory, for everything she did for the section and for the club as a whole.
Diane, the head rhythmic coach, gave a short speech. She said: “Julia was the founder of the rhythmic section of the club. Without her, the section would not have existed and we would not have been able to build on her beginnings and many gymnasts would not have been able to venture into the world of rhythmic gymnastics.
“We are still very proud that we are the only club in the Highland Council area to offer the rhythmic gymnastics discipline.”
Julia’s daughters Holly and Tasha were invited to attend. “We were delighted that they were able to join us for the evening,” Diane said.
Awards for 2024, presented in Julia’s name and memory:
The Julia Mulvey Award for a New Star: Willow Devlin, Mya Davidson and Bonus Ampaipit.
Jets – Most improved runner-up: Ellie Fairweather. Most improved: Zoe Bennett. Gymnast of the year: Una Bacon.
Medals awarded to Willow Devlin, Macie Bale, Immi Johnston, Eilidh Moore and Ellisa Wyllie.
Rubies – Most improved runner-up: Roxy Gunn. Most improved: Haylee Bennett. Gymnast of the year: Lily Hogg.
Medals awarded to Maddie Smith, Bonus Ampaipit, Abbie Fairweather, Erika Sutherland, Mya Davidson, Ava Florence and Charlotte Long.
Jades – Most improved runner-up: Aila Anthoney. Most improved: Beth McColm. Gymnast of the year: Paige McPhee.
Medals awarded to Lois Manson, Zara Smith, Bethan Wood, Faith Smith and Hannah McColm. Overall gymnast of the year: Carys Gunn.
Bronze proficiency awards: Haylee Bennett, Roxy Gunn, Charlotte Long, Lily Hogg, Erika Sutherland, Ava Florence and Abbie Fairweather.