Jamaica’s gymnastics is already on a high and members of the Jamaica Amateur Gymnastics Association (JAGA) All-Star school and club teams will be hoping to add to the momentum when they grace the Coconut Classic Gymnastics Competition in St Vincent and the Grenadines.

The teams, totalling 44 gymnasts, between the ages of four and to 10, to be accompanied by parents and coaches, will depart the island in batches. The main portion of the teams commenced their journey yesterday, while the remaining members depart today.

They are expected to overnight in Trinidad and Tobago and Barbados, respectively, prior to arrival in the southern Caribbean nation for competition against teams from Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados, Cayman Islands and St Vincent and the Grenadines on Saturday and Sunday.

JAGA’s President Nicole Grant-Brown has high expectations for the teams, the largest delegation Jamaica has ever had travelling overseas for a gymnastics competition.

A number of the national development programme gymnasts have also been fitted into the All-Star School team.

“We are very excited to see our first sign of true talent shining, as they qualified from the Jamaica Classic Regional Schools Championships held November last year. We know these children will do their best and hold the pride of Jamaica high, as they showcase the little tricks they acquire in a friendly atmosphere,” Grant-Brown told the Jamaica Observer.

The All-Star team comprises gymnasts from Emmanuel Christian Academy, Harrison Prep, Mona Heights Primary, Mount Airy Primary, Petersfield Primary, St Hugh’s Prep, St Richards Primary, Sunrise and Vaz Prep.

Meanwhile, the club team boasts athletes from the Jamaica School of Gymnastics (JSG), Portmore Gymnastics and Wellness Centre and Westmoreland Gymnastics Academy.

“Competitions like these assist us in exposing our young athletes and so we are very excited because like I said before, we have to ensure that our gymnasts are well prepared and fully exposed to more international competition because the only way we can build our athletes is through competition at the highest level.

“So these children’s programmes will be closely monitored as they transition gymnasts to the Junior Development Team,” Grant-Brown noted.

“We are very thankful to the Sports Development Foundation, the Ministry of Sports, other sponsors and our ever-faithful parents because without them, this would not be possible,” she added.

All Star School Team — Abigail Brown, Haleigh Thomas, Jade Maxwell, Jannah Cousley, Leah Lawson, Meah McIntyre, Micah McIntyre, Sara Senior-Smith, Atonia Barker, Jenea Walker, Abryanna Mothersill, Crisannia Graham, Trecia Williams, Adayna Munroe, Annalessa Chung, Kaelah McKoy, Amelia Wright, Avvea Jones, Kenya Harvey, Llori Seville, Tashi Woolcock, Amari Noble, Jana-Paige Brown, Jessica McIntosh, Naje Brown.

Officials: Shanique Henry (coach), Shorona Wilson (coach).

All Star Club Team — Jahvea Williams, Shantal Ellis, Aliyah Swaby, Jhusteja Longbridge, Saysha Hall, Aiyana Davis, Chenille Prince, Dejanique Bryan, Nicalee Hall, Rickayla Francis, Macaela Gordon, Secoya Binns, Shyanne Seabourn, Jhalana Williams, Alayna Wilson, Imani Willie, Kyla Bryant, Daniellea James, Ronique Wallace.

Officials: Shikaira Grant (coach), Nadeen Whyte (coach).