Group performance a display of teamwork

A LOCAL calisthenics team overcame adversity last week in order to complete their competing season.

With two of seven of the group struggling with injuries leading in to last week’s Royal South Street Society Eisteddfod, Pentland Calisthenics College’s intermediate team completed their competing season after a year’s worth of events.

The college’s president, Gayle Stewart, said their performance was a fantastic display of teamwork.

“They could’ve pulled out but they didn’t, they still went on stage,” she said.

“It was them working together as a team to wrap up the season on a positive note. One of our performers was injured just before a previous competition, and another was injured just before this one.

“One of them didn’t actually perform, so they went on with six instead of seven. They decided to go on anyway.”

The performers, all aged between 14 and 17, took to the stage at Federation University’s Founders Theatre in Ballarat on Tuesday last week.

Adjustments were made to the team’s formations to compensate for the absent member.

The team has received seven honourable mentions, 16 highly commended, and has placed third three times for their six syllabus items.

They were awarded highly commended for all routines except rods for last week’s performance.

“The fact they still placed is really good,” Ms Stewart said.

“It’s not just about the results you get on stage, it’s about the camaraderie they build as a team. They look out for each other onstage as well as off, and that’s what makes them a good team.”

The team will once again perform their routine this weekend, joining their colleagues as part of Pentland Calisthenics College’s annual display on Sunday from 11am at Gisborne Secondary College.

Tickets are at bit.ly/3BS0lAw.