A trio of Richmond gymnasts is headed to Hawaii this week to compete at the 40th annual Aloha Gymfest.
The four-day event typically brings athletes from around the world to the Kokohahi Gymnastics Club. The local girls are among nine that will be representing Wayland Sports which runs competitive gymnastics programs at its Richmond and Surrey locations.
Nina He, 14, has been competing in gymnastics since she was six. The McRoberts Secondary School student will be entered in the Junior Olympic Level 7 category and considers the bars as her favourite event.
Naomi Evans, 15, typically thrives in the floor and vault events. The McMath Secondary School student will be competing in the Junior Olympic Level 6 category. Evans has been involved in gymnastics since she was six.
Nine-year-old Malia Bulat is the youngest member of the travelling team. The Grade 4 Lord Byng Elementary student has been participating in gymnastics for three years and considers the bars as her favourite event. Bulat will be competing in the Junior Olympic Level 6 category.
The girls are coached by Brittany Hawkins and were selected from the club’s 12 hour a week competitive program that features Level 4 to 7 gymnasts.
It marks the first time Wayland Sports’ competitive gymnastics program has participated in an international competition.
