|
|
Inch gymnasts are 'Shooting Starz'
28.05.09
INCH-BORN brother and
sister, Francesca and Daniel Bertolina, rarely agree
about what to watch on TV but they agree completely
about their favourite sport. Both are crazy about
gymnastics and both are gaining a reputation in the
sport across the North West.
These children began their gymnastic careers at the
tender age of five and now train up to 12 hours per
week at Shooting Starz Gym in Campsie which caters
for competitive gymnasts . The brother and sister's
dedication is paying off. Francesca,13, recently
qualified for the Northern Ireland Championships in
Ladies Artistic Gymnastics and competes on bars,
beam, floor and vault at an elite level. |
|
Previously she was a
Northern Ireland Champion in the two-piece
competition (floor/vault) and several times county
champion in the Community Games. Daniel, age 10, has
also been cleaning up the first place medals in all
events in boys' general gymnastics in the North and
is a regular county champion in the Community Games. |
 |
Daniel, age 10, has
also been cleaning up the first place medals in all
events in boys' general gymnastics in the North and
is a regular county champion in the Community Games.
He was expected to do very well at the Northern
Ireland Championships this weekend but a broken arm
- a football injury - has put him out of action for
several months.
Coach Ann Hebor from Muff explained: "Both Daniel
and Francesca could go as far as they would like in
this sport. They have the natural talent but even
more importantly, they come into the gym every week
with a great work ethic and positive attitude which
is a recipe for success in any sport.
"These two are amazing gymnastic talents. Now that
we have our new facility in Campsie we are really
well placed to bring on children like Daniel and
Francesca . ‘
Francesca added: "The best thing about the gym are
the coaches. They are great and treat us so well."
Daniel likes the team spirit and the pizza-party
celebration when a gymnast masters a new skill.
Though their father Dario's roots are Italian, mum
Margaret Quinn's connections are closer to
Inishowen. Granny Eileen (nee Devlin ) was from
Boherna, Clonmany while proud supporter Grandad
Michael Quinn, is originally from Swinford, County
Mayo. Both children had a great start in sport at St
Mura’s N.S., Tooban, a recent national schools
winner in the Donegal Sports Awards. |
|
