SUMMERSIDE, P.E.I. — The sport of gymnastics will be front and centre at Credit Union Place this weekend.
Beams, vaults, floor mats and rings have been set up on the ice surface inside Eastlink Arena for the Eastern Canadian championships that take place on Friday and Saturday.
“It’s the biggest gymnastic event that we’ve ever hosted here in Summerside,” said Jeff MacRae, head male coach of the host Summerside Saultos. “It’s a good opportunity for all the younger athletes in our club and community to see some really top-tier athletes and what’s possible in the sport of gymnastics.”
Click here for story on P.E.I. athletes at Atlantic gymnastics championships:
Overall, the event is expected to attract 400 participants, including over 300 athletes along with coaches, judges and managers.
“Some very high-level gymnasts will be here this weekend, especially on the women’s side,” said Alice Ma, head female coach with the Saultos. “You will see from Quebec and Ontario some really good Level-10 gymnasts and even Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Newfoundland will bring their Level 10 gymnasts. These are the kids you will probably see at national championships.
“On the men’s side, a lot of them are not age eligible to go to national championships, so the Eastern Canadians are like their national championships.”
The Saultos will be represented by six athletes – Isla Shea, Summer McKenna, Kyler Hill, Anna Bernard, Jacob Martin and Alyssa Mugridge.
“This is the biggest number of participants we’ve ever had at the Eastern Canadians,” offered Ma.
Friday’s events run from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., with Saturday’s schedule from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
“We have multiple sessions throughout Friday and Saturday, different levels, age groups, etc.,” offered MacRae. “Basically, it will be the top six athletes in each category from six different provinces – four Atlantic provinces, Ontario and Quebec. We hosted the Atlantic championships last year, so this is a little higher level.”
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Saultos Competing
Summerside Saultos competing in Eastern Canadian gymnastics championships:
Friday
Isla Shea, Session 1, Tyro 7.
Summer McKenna, Session 2, Novice 7.
Kyler Hill, Session 4, Open 8.
Anna Bernard, Session 4, Open 8.
Saturday
Jacob Martin, Session 4, Level 3 under-13.
Alyssa Mugridge, Session 9, Open 9.
