Arklow Gymnastics Club’s Siamsa squad secured first place in the Disney section and second in the combined competition before parading through Disneyland Paris in front of thousands of spectators.
Twenty-two young gymnasts from Arklow have returned from Disneyland Paris with an impressive competition result and memories of a trip that combined gymnastics, performance and the magic of Disney.
The Arklow Gymnastics Club Siamsa squad travelled to France on 8th October to participate in Gymnastique Magique, an international gymnastics festival now in its fifth year, bringing together clubs and performance squads from Ireland and the UK. The weekend featured competition, performances and an opportunity for the young athletes to experience Disneyland Paris.
The squad took to the floor on Saturday, 10th October, delivering routines that earned them first place in the Disney section and second place in the combined competition. The results marked a major achievement for the team against a strong field of competitors.
According to the club, the judges praised the squad’s routines, while organisers and fellow teams also took note of the gymnasts’ manners, teamwork and encouragement of other participants throughout the festival.
The club said the squad had been a credit to Arklow and Ireland, both in their performances and in the way they conducted themselves during the event.
Sunday brought another highlight, as the Siamsa squad took part in a parade through Disneyland Paris, performing in front of thousands of people with Sleeping Beauty Castle providing the backdrop.
The experience also offered the gymnasts a glimpse behind the scenes, as they prepared backstage before stepping onto the parade route. For the young performers, it was an opportunity to take part in a memorable experience beyond the competition itself.
Away from the gymnastics, the squad made the most of their time at Disneyland Paris, enjoying the rides and attractions between their scheduled performances. The club described the trip as a weekend filled with laughter, excitement and lasting memories for the gymnasts.
Arklow Gymnastics Club thanked the people and organisations who helped the Siamsa squad travel to Paris.
The club gave particular thanks to local representatives Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin, Malcolm Byrne and Brian Brennan, who attended the squad’s bake sale before the trip to wish the gymnasts well. Glenart Community College and St Mary’s College, Arklow, were also thanked for their support and good wishes.
Appreciation was extended to Take Us 2 The Magic, Gymnastique Magique and Disneyland Paris for their role in making the experience possible.
For the 22 gymnasts, the trip brought together competitive success, a major performance opportunity and the chance to represent their club and hometown on an international stage.
