Gymnasts Prepare For Team Challenge

Five Newtown gymnasts, who compete on the Junior Olympic competitive team at Gymnastics Revolution in Bethel, have been in high-level training since early this summer for one of their most challenging meets of the season: The 2010 Team Challenge.

The Challenge is to be held January 29-31 at the O’Neill Center at Western Connecticut State University in Danbury.

The gymnasts look forward to this home meet every year as it draws strong competition from all over the Northeast.

Gymnastics Revolution Head Coach Brian Bakalar commented, “We are expecting over 1,300 gymnasts this year, many of whom compete at the national level.

“Our gymnasts train up to 18 hours a week, almost year-round, and are now ready to bring it to this meet. This year, as part of our training, we launched a new strength and conditioning program, which should give our team a notable advantage over the competition,” he added.

Gymnasts are registered in Levels 4-10 through the nation’s Junior Olympic Program. Kate Reeves, Sophia Andrew and Jessica Stolfi compete at Level 5; Samantha Gilbert competes at Level 6; and Laura Reeves competes at Level 9.

The public is invited to attend the meet. For more information on Gymnastics Revolution or the 2010 Team Challenge, go online and visit www.gymnas ticsrevolution.com