Samukelisiwe Shabalala (7) of Trinityhouse Glenvista School represented Empress Rhythmic Gymnastics Club admirably after finishing first in her age group at the Gauteng Rhythmic Gymnastics Zone Festival, on June 9 and 10, at Kibler Park Recreation Centre.
According to the club’s owner and head coach, Batbagana Oliver, Samukelisiwe, who is from Eikenhof, finished first out of 36 gymnasts in her age group and achieved outstanding results.
Batbagana described Samukelisiwe as a dedicated and self-committed gymnast who pushes herself to be self-disciplined.“Her talent is evident in her attention to detail in every skill. This is a competitive sport. She competed in two club competitions but was unable to compete in the Central Gauteng District Competition due to illness.
“We submitted a sick note so that she could compete in the Gauteng Rhythmic Gymnastics Zone Festival, which is the highest level of competition for our novice levels. She did exceptionally well and we are very proud of her outstanding results.”
Her mother, Boammaaruri, said Samukelisiwe began gymnastics at the age of five.
“Last September, she began formal club training in rhythmic gymnastics. Her passion for the sport stems from her love of ballet, which she began when she was five years old, and from watching gymnastics competitions at the Commonwealth Games.
“She began practising splits and cartwheels at home almost every day. That’s when we decided to enroll her in a formal club.
“We took her to rhythmic for balance, coordination, and exercise as well. We chose something she enjoys, but had no idea she was so skilled. We are pleasantly surprised and hope to be able to assist her in this sport in any way that is necessary,” said Boammaaruri.
