Young gymnasts from the island are leaving today to compete in the second edition of the Carifta Gymnastics Championships in Couva, Trinidad, this weekend.

Bermuda, a participant in the inaugural edition in Jamaica a year ago, is one of seven countries participating at the event alongside Bahamas, Barbados, Cayman Islands, Curaçao, Jamaica and the host nation.

This prestigious competition will see gymnasts from across the Caribbean showcasing their skills, ranging from the United States Gymnastics Level 1 to the International Gymnastics Federation junior and senior elite levels.

“Our young Bermudian team are eagerly preparing to shine on the international stage, with gymnasts competing from USAG Level 1 to Level 6,” said a spokeswoman for the Gymnastics Federation of Bermuda.

“For some of our athletes, this will be their first taste of international competition, while others will be proudly representing Bermuda for the second time.

“It is an incredible opportunity for them to demonstrate their dedication, hard work and passion for gymnastics.

“We are all rooting for our team as they embark on this thrilling journey. Their commitment and enthusiasm are truly inspiring and we have no doubt that they will make Bermuda proud.”

Becky Wentling and Frederick Nicholas, the team’s coaches, have been working with the gymnasts for weeks to prepare them for their Carifta announcement.

“Training has been going well,” the coaching department said.

“Athletes have been spending between four to 16 hours a week in the gym depending on their level.

“Girls are expected to improve on their performance from last year. Our Level 3 gymnasts have a full team and have a great chance of finishing anywhere from first to third in the team competition with individual medals in each event.

Julie Bortoli, president of the GFB, is looking forward to networking with her counterparts from the region.

“Carifta is an excellent opportunity to meet with coaches and federations in the region,” she said.

“It gives us an opportunity to advance gymnastics in Bermuda and in the Caribbean.”