Young gymnasts beat off Euro challengers

SWINDON'S only purpose-built academy for gymnasts has triumphed in an international competition just five months after opening.

Members of Esprit Gymnastics club, which opened in February this year in Radway Road, won the under-eight tournament and scored first place in the hoop and free sections at the Canterbury Cup. The Canterbury Cup is an invitation event for gymnasts from all over Europe.

Several young Esprit members were successful in the cup, including Alicia Veveris, seven, who won the under-8 novice section. Another of Esprit's gymnasts, eight-year-old Laura Halford, has been picked for the Welsh National Rhythmic Gymnastics Squad. Esprit coach Deb Hows said: "The Canterbury Cup is one of the highlights of the young gymnasts' year and to win any medal is quite a feat."

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