2011 British Acrobatic Championships come to Stoke-on-Trent
The first major competition on the acrobatic gymnastics national calendar, the 2011 British Championships will see over 240 gymnasts representing 28 gym clubs who will do battle for the coveted title of British champion.
The 2011 British Championships promise to be keenly contested, as from this weekend’s event gymnasts will be invited to take part in the selection trials for the European Championships for seniors and juniors and European Age Group Games. Along with the established firm favourites are those who have been hard at work with international selection being the ultimate goal. The crowd will see first-rate performances of unequalled rivalry from the many talented gymnasts taking part.
Chair of the acrobatic technical committee, Judy Wootton previews the action expected this weekend: “This year we will see many new beginnings, with numerous retirements and changes of partnership giving a special spice to the event. It is really good to see that we have an entry in every event at the senior level, and while we expect to see familiar faces, they will be working with new partners in most cases. The junior and age group categories are as popular as ever and the weekend is full of promise. 248 gymnasts from 28 different gym clubs will be fighting for the coveted title of “British Champion” and also seeking invitation to the trials for the forthcoming selections for the European Championships in October.”
Background
Acrobatic gymnastics can be described as an infusion of choreography and complex acrobatic skills performed in partnership on a standard gymnastics floor area. Balance, tempo and combined routines are performed to music. The floor area is 12x12 metres and the duration of routines is 2 minutes 30 seconds. Great Britain is one of the most respected nations in acrobatic gymnastics and has achieved success at World and European level winning medals in all categories.
Disciplines
Men’s pair, women’s pair, mixed pair, women’s trio, men’s four. Gymnasts work in harmony and trust, with each responsible for their partner or partners. It is a true and testing examination of human relationships. Routines impose on gymnasts a need for strength, agility, flexibility, balance and acrobatic skills. The results are spectacular, intricate balances performed on partners, exciting multiple somersaults and twisting somersaults with partners being pitched and caught. A requirement and opportunity to express their artistry and individual gymnastics skills makes this a delight for spectators, and a tremendous feeling of attainment for gymnasts.
History
Acrobatics was first introduced to Great Britain in 1974, known then as sports acrobatics, it incorporated tumbling and was governed by the International Federation of Sports Acrobatics (IFSA). The sport remained as such until 1997, when tumbling became a recognized discipline of trampolining acrobatics became an independent sport affiliating with the Federation of International Gymnastics (FIG). PAYNE &
Event Schedule
SATURDAY 26th 08:00 - Doors Open 08:10 to 08:30 - Registration 08:50 - Warm Up 09:15 - March On 09:30 - Competition Start 12:00 - Afternoon Registration 12:15 - Lunch 13:15 - Competition Restart 19:40 - Competition End
