SUCCESS AT SOUTH EAST WALES CLASSIC CHALLENGE COMPETITION
City of Newport Gymnastic Academy lit up the arena last weekend as twenty‑four talented gymnasts from the artistic competition squad proudly represented the Academy at the South East Classic Challenge Competition — an event hosted right here at CNGA.
The competition opened in spectacular fashion with Avalyn Halford, competing in the 12–13 years COPPER category on the Saturday morning, delivering a series of outstanding performances across all four apparatus. Avalyn’s confidence, precision, and artistry shone from the very first moment she stepped onto the floor.
Her balance beam routine was a true highlight of the Copper competition — controlled, elegant, and technically superb — earning her a well‑deserved individual gold medal. Avalyn’s consistency across the board secured her the overall gold medal position, an incredible achievement in a highly competitive field.
Her full results were:
- Vault – Silver Medal
- Bars – 4th Place Ribbon
- Beam – Gold Medal
- Floor – Bronze Medal
- OVERALL – GOLD position
Avalyn’s exceptional performance means she will now go on to represent South East Wales at the Welsh Finals on 17–18 October at the Sport Wales National Centre in Cardiff.
A huge congratulations to Avalyn — a phenomenal achievement and a moment of pride for everyone at City of Newport Gymnastic Academy.
City of Newport Gymnastic Academy continued its incredible weekend of competition success as nineteen gymnasts took to the floor on the Sunday in the 10–11 years Zinc and 12–13 years Zinc categories. Across both age groups, CNGA gymnasts delivered confident, expressive, and technically strong routines on all four apparatus — a brilliant showcase of their hard work and dedication.
10–11 Years Zinc Category
Fourteen CNGA gymnasts represented the Academy in this category, producing a fantastic spread of individual results:
- Isla Bastow – Vault: 4th Ribbon • Floor: 6th Ribbon
- Evie Traves – Floor: 5th Ribbon
- Lettie Daw‑Evans – Floor: 4th Ribbon
- Skye Hooper – Beam: 5th Ribbon
- Roselyn Dyer – Vault: Silver Medal
- Harriet Stanbridge – Vault: 4th Ribbon
- Melanie Dirwai – Vault: Gold Medal
Team Results
CNGA proudly entered three teams into this category, each showcasing teamwork, determination, and spirit:
- Team Sparkle Ava Traves, Evie Traves, Arden Williams, Isla Bastow, Lettie Daw‑Evans Silver Medal – Team Position
- Team Pink Alice Ayles, Nevaeh Omoloju, Poppy Pritchard, Marley Howting 4th Ribbon – Team Position
- Team Gold Skye Hooper, Roselyn Dyer, Harriet Stanbridge, Everly Hardaker, Melanie Dirwai Bronze Medal – Team Position
A huge congratulations to every gymnast in this category. Although no top‑six overall placements were secured this time, the standard of performance was excellent. This competition provides a valuable benchmark as these young gymnasts continue to grow, develop, and prepare for the 2027 season. Well done girls — superb effort from all!
12–13 Years Zinc Category
The momentum continued as five CNGA gymnasts stepped forward in the 12–13 years Zinc category, delivering exciting sets of performances during their competition.
Individual Results
Brooke Arnold
- Vault: 4th Ribbon
- Bars: 6th Ribbon
- Beam: 5th Ribbon
Millie Rolfe
- Vault: 4th Ribbon
Georgina Salijeni
- Vault: 4th Ribbon
- Bars: 5th Ribbon
- Beam: Bronze Medal
- Floor: 6th Ribbon
- Overall – 4th Place
Roksana Mikus
- Vault: 4th Ribbon
- Beam: 4th Ribbon
- Floor: Gold Medal
- Overall – 6th Place
Evie Thorpe
- Vault: Gold Medal
- Bars: Silver Medal
- Beam: 6th Ribbon
- Floor: 4th Ribbon
- Overall – Bronze Medal
Finals Qualification
Both Evie Thorpe and Georgina Salijeni achieved top‑five overall placements, earning their selection to represent South East Wales at the Welsh Finals in October — a fantastic achievement and a proud moment for CNGA.
Team Triumph
Their combined strength, consistency, and competitive spirit earned the 12 to 13 years CNGA Zinc Team the GOLD team award — a phenomenal result and a testament to their commitment in training and their composure on competition day.
Pictured below are the 10 to 11 and 12 to 13 years ZINC TEAMS – GO CNGA ! You are all amazing!!
The next group to take centre stage at the competition were three of CNGA’s youngest artistic squad members — Elouise Smith, Milly Brown, and Lily Griffiths. Each gymnast delivered confident, beautifully executed routines, showcasing their growing skills and competitive spirit.
Elouise Smith – 8 Years, Zinc Category
Competing in the 8‑year‑old Zinc category, Elouise Smith impressed with her composure and determination across all apparatus. Her results were:
- Vault – 4th Ribbon
- Balance Beam – 6th Ribbon
Although Elouise did not place in the top six overall to qualify for the Welsh Finals, her performances were full of promise and progression. Everyone at CNGA is incredibly proud of her achievements — well done, Elouise!
Milly Brown – 9 Years, Zinc Category
In the 9‑year‑old Zinc category, Milly Brown delivered her personal best on competition day. While she finished just outside the ribbon and medal positions, Milly performed excellent skills and a lovely, expressive floor routine to music. Her confidence continues to grow within the artistic squad, and her development is clear for all to see.
Fantastic work, Milly — a brilliant step forward!
Lily Griffiths – 9 Years, Zinc Category
Also competing in the 9‑year‑old Zinc category, Lily Griffiths produced an outstanding set of routines, earning multiple podium finishes and one of the strongest overall results of the day. Her achievements include:
- Vault – 8th Place
- Bars – 5th Ribbon
- Balance Beam – Gold Medal
- Floor – Gold Medal
- Overall – Silver Medal
With her superb overall placement, Lily now qualifies for the Welsh Finals in October, representing South East Wales in the 9‑year‑old category. An exceptional accomplishment — congratulations, Lily! CNGA is incredibly proud of you.
A Proud Moment for CNGA
Elouise, Milly, and Lily each brought enthusiasm, courage, and joy to the competition floor. Their achievements — from personal bests to podium finishes — reflect the hard work they put in every week at training.
Pictured below: Elouise, Milly, and Lily celebrating their achievements with big smiles!
Our final gymnast to step into the arena on Sunday was Lydia Porter who represented CNGA in the 14 + years ZINC category. Lydia worked exceptionally hard at the competition achieving the following results
Vault – Bronze medal position
Bars – 6th place ribbon
Beam – 4th place ribbon
Floor – 4th place ribbon
Overall – 5th place position. Lydia also earned her place in the Welsh Finals after qualifying in the top six positions at this weekend’s competition. A fantastic achievement Lydia – well done!
A Weekend of Pride for CNGA
Across all categories, CNGA gymnasts demonstrated resilience, teamwork, and passion for the sport. From individual medal moments to team podium finishes, every gymnast contributed to an inspiring weekend of gymnastics.
Well done to all our five qualifiers to the Welsh Classic Challenge Finals in Cardiff on 17th and 18th October – Good Luck girls!
Finally, Congratulations to all our gymnasts at the regional event — your hard work continues to shine. CNGA is incredibly proud of you!
