Former Olympic Rhythmic Gymnastics Coach In Caithness

25th April 2009

Caithness Gymnastics Club�s Rhythmic Gymnastics Section has 4 new Assistant Coaches! Gemma Wares, Sine Hamilton, Hanna Lalmahamode and Julie Simpson all undertook and passed the 1.5 hour practical exam in Thurso High School on Saturday morning. All 4 attended a coaching course in West Lothian last year which was funded jointly by the club and a Caithness Sports Council Grant. Club gymnasts Ailidh Mackie, Hollie Mackintosh, Catriona McMillan, Laura Davidson, Chloe Sinclair and Alisha Lalmahamode were all put through their paces by the prospective assistant coaches.

They were examined by Marion Sands -Scottish Gymnastics Rhythmic Gymnastics Technical Director, Examiner/Tutor for British Gymnastics, Coach to the 2004 British National Olympic Rhythmic Gymnastics Team and also coached the 1990 and 2006 British Commonwealth Games Rhythmic Gymnastics Teams.

Marion said after the exam �I was very impressed by the commitment, dedication and ability of such a young group of girls. Caithness Rhythmic Gymnastics can only benefit from such a strong team which is led by Club Coach Diane Gibson I would hope to see them all as great coaches of the future. I have thoroughly enjoyed my visit to Caithness and I hope to be back�

Diane said �it was a pleasure and a privilege to welcome someone of Marion�s calibre to Caithness and Caithness Rhythmic Gymnastics. We were all delighted when she said she would make the long trip up north, we hope to have her back sometime in the future.