{"id":7867,"date":"2026-09-24T07:39:31","date_gmt":"2026-09-24T06:39:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.cityofnewportgymnasticacademy.co.uk\/news\/?p=7867"},"modified":"2026-09-24T07:39:31","modified_gmt":"2026-09-24T06:39:31","slug":"success-at-south-east-wales-classic-challenge-competition","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.cityofnewportgymnasticacademy.co.uk\/news\/uncategorized\/success-at-south-east-wales-classic-challenge-competition\/","title":{"rendered":"SUCCESS AT SOUTH EAST WALES CLASSIC CHALLENGE COMPETITION"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>City of Newport Gymnastic Academy lit up the arena last weekend as <strong>twenty\u2011four talented gymnasts<\/strong> from the artistic competition squad proudly represented the Academy at the <strong>South East Classic Challenge Competition<\/strong> \u2014 an event hosted right here at CNGA.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The competition opened in spectacular fashion with <strong>Avalyn Halford<\/strong>, competing in the <strong>12\u201313 years COPPER category<\/strong> on the Saturday morning, delivering a series of outstanding performances across all four apparatus. Avalyn\u2019s confidence, precision, and artistry shone from the very first moment she stepped onto the floor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Her <strong>balance beam routine<\/strong> was a true highlight of the Copper competition \u2014 controlled, elegant, and technically superb \u2014 earning her a <strong>well\u2011deserved individual gold medal<\/strong>. Avalyn\u2019s consistency across the board secured her the <strong>overall gold medal position<\/strong>, an incredible achievement in a highly competitive field.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Her full results were:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Vault \u2013 Silver Medal<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Bars \u2013 4th Place Ribbon<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Beam \u2013 Gold Medal<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Floor \u2013 Bronze Medal<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>OVERALL &#8211; GOLD position<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Avalyn\u2019s exceptional performance means she will now go on to <strong>represent South East Wales at the Welsh Finals<\/strong> on <strong>17\u201318 October<\/strong> at the Sport Wales National Centre in Cardiff.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A huge congratulations to Avalyn \u2014 a phenomenal achievement and a moment of pride for everyone at City of Newport Gymnastic Academy.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.cityofnewportgymnasticacademy.co.uk\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/avalyn-se-cc-2026.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-7869\" width=\"241\" height=\"312\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.cityofnewportgymnasticacademy.co.uk\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/avalyn-se-cc-2026.jpg 480w, https:\/\/www.cityofnewportgymnasticacademy.co.uk\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/avalyn-se-cc-2026-232x300.jpg 232w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 241px) 100vw, 241px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Avalyn Halford with her winning medals, trophy and ribbon<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>City of Newport Gymnastic Academy continued its incredible weekend of competition success as <strong>nineteen gymnasts<\/strong> took to the floor on the Sunday in the <strong>10\u201311 years Zinc<\/strong> and <strong>12\u201313 years Zinc<\/strong> categories. Across both age groups, CNGA gymnasts delivered confident, expressive, and technically strong routines on all four apparatus \u2014 a brilliant showcase of their hard work and dedication.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2><strong>10\u201311 Years Zinc Category<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Fourteen CNGA gymnasts represented the Academy in this category, producing a fantastic spread of individual results:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Isla Bastow<\/strong> \u2013 Vault: 4th Ribbon \u2022 Floor: 6th Ribbon<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Evie Traves<\/strong> \u2013 Floor: 5th Ribbon<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Lettie Daw\u2011Evans<\/strong> \u2013 Floor: 4th Ribbon<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Skye Hooper<\/strong> \u2013 Beam: 5th Ribbon<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Roselyn Dyer<\/strong> \u2013 Vault: <strong>Silver Medal<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Harriet Stanbridge<\/strong> \u2013 Vault: 4th Ribbon<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Melanie Dirwai<\/strong> \u2013 Vault: <strong>Gold Medal<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3><strong>Team Results<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>CNGA proudly entered <strong>three teams<\/strong> into this category, each showcasing teamwork, determination, and spirit:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Team Sparkle<\/strong> <em>Ava Traves, Evie Traves, Arden Williams, Isla Bastow, Lettie Daw\u2011Evans<\/em> <strong>Silver Medal \u2013 Team Position<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Team Pink<\/strong> <em>Alice Ayles, Nevaeh Omoloju, Poppy Pritchard, Marley Howting<\/em> <strong>4th Ribbon \u2013 Team Position<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Team Gold<\/strong> <em>Skye Hooper, Roselyn Dyer, Harriet Stanbridge, Everly Hardaker, Melanie Dirwai<\/em> <strong>Bronze Medal \u2013 Team Position<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>A huge congratulations to every gymnast in this category. Although no top\u2011six 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. <strong>Well done girls \u2014 superb effort from all!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2><strong>12\u201313 Years Zinc Category<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The momentum continued as five CNGA gymnasts stepped forward in the 12\u201313 years Zinc category, delivering exciting sets of performances during their competition. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3><strong>Individual Results<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Brooke Arnold<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Vault: 4th Ribbon<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Bars: 6th Ribbon<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Beam: 5th Ribbon<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Millie Rolfe<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Vault: 4th Ribbon<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Georgina Salijeni<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Vault: 4th Ribbon<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Bars: 5th Ribbon<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Beam: <strong>Bronze Medal<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Floor: 6th Ribbon<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Overall \u2013 4th Place<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Roksana Mikus<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Vault: 4th Ribbon<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Beam: 4th Ribbon<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Floor: <strong>Gold Medal<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Overall \u2013 6th Place<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Evie Thorpe<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Vault: <strong>Gold Medal<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Bars: <strong>Silver Medal<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Beam: 6th Ribbon<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Floor: 4th Ribbon<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Overall \u2013 Bronze Medal<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3><strong>Finals Qualification<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Both <strong>Evie Thorpe<\/strong> and <strong>Georgina Salijeni<\/strong> achieved top\u2011five overall placements, earning their selection to represent <strong>South East Wales at the Welsh Finals in October<\/strong> \u2014 a fantastic achievement and a proud moment for CNGA.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3><strong>Team Triumph<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Their combined strength, consistency, and competitive spirit earned the 12 to 13 years <strong>CNGA Zinc Team the GOLD team award<\/strong> \u2014 a phenomenal result and a testament to their commitment in training and their composure on competition day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Pictured below are the 10 to 11 and 12 to 13 years ZINC TEAMS &#8211; GO CNGA ! You are all amazing!!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.cityofnewportgymnasticacademy.co.uk\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/10-to-11-and-12-to-13-se-cc-2026.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-7873\" width=\"1043\" height=\"548\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.cityofnewportgymnasticacademy.co.uk\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/10-to-11-and-12-to-13-se-cc-2026.jpg 917w, https:\/\/www.cityofnewportgymnasticacademy.co.uk\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/10-to-11-and-12-to-13-se-cc-2026-300x158.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.cityofnewportgymnasticacademy.co.uk\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/10-to-11-and-12-to-13-se-cc-2026-768x404.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1043px) 100vw, 1043px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">LEFT TO RIGHT ALL GYMNASTS : BACK ROW: Roksana Mikus, Millie Rolfe, Skye Hooper, Evie Thorpe, Georgina Salijeni. MIDDLE ROW: Brooke Arnold, Alice Ayles, Ava Traves, Arden Williams, Isla Bastow, Lettie Daw-Evans, Everly Hardaker, Nevaeh Omoloju, Poppy Pritchard, Marley Howting. FRONT ROW: Roselyn Dyer, Melanie Dirwai, Evie Traves, Harriet Stanbridge<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The next group to take centre stage at the competition were three of CNGA\u2019s youngest artistic squad members \u2014 <strong>Elouise Smith<\/strong>, <strong>Milly Brown<\/strong>, and <strong>Lily Griffiths<\/strong>. Each gymnast delivered confident, beautifully executed routines, showcasing their growing skills and competitive spirit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2><strong>Elouise Smith \u2013 8 Years, Zinc Category<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Competing in the 8\u2011year\u2011old Zinc category, <strong>Elouise Smith<\/strong> impressed with her composure and determination across all apparatus. Her results were:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Vault \u2013 4th Ribbon<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Balance Beam \u2013 6th Ribbon<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>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 \u2014 <strong>well done, Elouise!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2><strong>Milly Brown \u2013 9 Years, Zinc Category<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In the 9\u2011year\u2011old Zinc category, <strong>Milly Brown<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Fantastic work, Milly \u2014 a brilliant step forward!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2><strong>Lily Griffiths \u2013 9 Years, Zinc Category<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Also competing in the 9\u2011year\u2011old Zinc category, <strong>Lily Griffiths<\/strong> produced an outstanding set of routines, earning multiple podium finishes and one of the strongest overall results of the day. Her achievements include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Vault \u2013 8th Place<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Bars \u2013 5th Ribbon<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Balance Beam \u2013 Gold Medal<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Floor \u2013 Gold Medal<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Overall \u2013 Silver Medal<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>With her superb overall placement, <strong>Lily now qualifies for the Welsh Finals in October<\/strong>, representing <strong>South East Wales<\/strong> in the 9\u2011year\u2011old category. An exceptional accomplishment \u2014 <strong>congratulations, Lily! CNGA is incredibly proud of you.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2><strong>A Proud Moment for CNGA<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Elouise, Milly, and Lily each brought enthusiasm, courage, and joy to the competition floor. Their achievements \u2014 from personal bests to podium finishes \u2014 reflect the hard work they put in every week at training.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Pictured below: Elouise, Milly, and Lily celebrating their achievements with big smiles<\/strong>!<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.cityofnewportgymnasticacademy.co.uk\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/elouise-lili-milly-se-cc-2026-1024x626.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-7871\" width=\"371\" height=\"226\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.cityofnewportgymnasticacademy.co.uk\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/elouise-lili-milly-se-cc-2026-1024x626.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.cityofnewportgymnasticacademy.co.uk\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/elouise-lili-milly-se-cc-2026-300x183.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.cityofnewportgymnasticacademy.co.uk\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/elouise-lili-milly-se-cc-2026-768x469.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.cityofnewportgymnasticacademy.co.uk\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/elouise-lili-milly-se-cc-2026.jpg 1080w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 371px) 100vw, 371px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">left to right: Milly Brown, Elouise Smith, Lily Griffiths<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>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<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Vault &#8211; Bronze medal position<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Bars &#8211; 6th place ribbon<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Beam &#8211; 4th place ribbon<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Floor &#8211; 4th place ribbon<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Overall &#8211; 5th place position. Lydia also earned her place in the Welsh Finals after qualifying in the top six positions at this weekend&#8217;s competition.  A fantastic achievement Lydia &#8211; well done!<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.cityofnewportgymnasticacademy.co.uk\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/lydia-porter-se-cc-2026.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-7875\" width=\"228\" height=\"298\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.cityofnewportgymnasticacademy.co.uk\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/lydia-porter-se-cc-2026.jpg 508w, https:\/\/www.cityofnewportgymnasticacademy.co.uk\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/lydia-porter-se-cc-2026-229x300.jpg 229w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 228px) 100vw, 228px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Lydia Porter with her ribbons and medals <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p><strong>A Weekend of Pride for CNGA<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Well done to all our five qualifiers to the Welsh Classic Challenge Finals in Cardiff on 17th and 18th October &#8211; Good Luck girls!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Finally, Congratulations to all our gymnasts at the regional event \u2014 your hard work continues to shine. CNGA is incredibly proud of you!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>City of Newport Gymnastic Academy lit up the arena last weekend as twenty\u2011four talented gymnasts from the artistic competition squad proudly represented the Academy at the South East Classic Challenge Competition \u2014 an event hosted right here at CNGA. The competition opened in spectacular fashion with Avalyn Halford, competing in the 12\u201313 years COPPER category [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[1],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.cityofnewportgymnasticacademy.co.uk\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7867"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.cityofnewportgymnasticacademy.co.uk\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.cityofnewportgymnasticacademy.co.uk\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.cityofnewportgymnasticacademy.co.uk\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.cityofnewportgymnasticacademy.co.uk\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=7867"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.cityofnewportgymnasticacademy.co.uk\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7867\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":7876,"href":"https:\/\/www.cityofnewportgymnasticacademy.co.uk\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7867\/revisions\/7876"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.cityofnewportgymnasticacademy.co.uk\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=7867"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.cityofnewportgymnasticacademy.co.uk\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=7867"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.cityofnewportgymnasticacademy.co.uk\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=7867"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}