On Saturday 25^th and Sunday 26^th September the Robin Park Arena and Sports Centre in Wigan plays host to two Men’s Gymnastics National Championships.

On Saturday 25^th, the top senior gymnasts from around Great Britain compete for their own clubs to challenge for the Adam’s Shield. The shield is presented to the winning team in the Men’s Senior British Team Championships.

Although there are only four teams this year, the competition is set to be as close as ever with representation from Sutton School of Gymnastics, Hinckley, Nottingham and Huntingdon.

Sutton who were a force to be reckoned with back in the late 80’s/early 90’s are looking to use the skill of current Men’s British Champion – Ross Brewer. Sutton’s team also sees a welcome return to competition from Kirk Zammit.

Hinckley won’t give up their title without a fight, alongside this relatively young team will be the vast experience of the two Ukrainians who are based at Hinckley.

Nottingham and Huntingdon also field strong teams and are the outside contenders to lift the trophy.

Sunday’s competition focuses on the rising junior talent in Great Britain as gymnasts compete in the U12 Team and Individual competition. The event it’s self is in memory of the late great Nik Stuart (Master Gymnast, British Champion – 1956 to 1964).

In the team competition 14 clubs do battle. With the 10.00 start score being achieved by more and more gymnasts, it will be an interesting contest between clean and basic routines, and those who up the anti and go for some quite remarkable skills for gymnasts of this age.

Last years champions Nottingham, have two teams entered, showing their strength in depth. They are front-runners for retaining the title.

Last year’s 2^nd and 3^rd place teams of Fromside and Leeds will once again be looking to place in the top 3, though having lost a few of their older gymnasts, the less experience in the team may play into the hands of the outsiders – South Essex and Sapphire.

Combining the team and individual competitions into one event will ensure the crowd will have plenty to keep their eyes on. The individual event will be a tightly thought race. On paper the contest to watch out for will be between Reece Beckford (S.Essex) and James Wythe (Woking). However one fall and it could all change, and those waiting to steal the glory include Reece Pewson (Notts), Ashley Watson (Leeds) and Max Whitock (Sapphire).

SATURDAY 25^th September – Men’s British Senior Team Championships
Competition Starts: 16:50 Competition Ends: 19:45
Price: Adults £5.00, Child/OAP £2.00

SUNDAY 26^th September – Men’s U12 Team & Individual Championships
Competition Starts: 09:50 Competition Ends: 17:00
Price: Adults £7.00, Child/OAP £3.00