Athena Sports Academy who are based at both Shildon and Newton Aycliffe Leisure Centres sent two teams of over 30 gymnasts to perform at the Sage in Gateshead on Saturday 10th October in front of a large audience.

The event, Gymfusion, is part of British Gymnastics National Festivals Programme which takes place throughout England and Northern Ireland.

The festival includes exciting and creative performances from gymnasts of all ages, abilities and disciplines of gymnastics, and these shows are guaranteed to wow the audience.

And wow the audience is certainly what Athena did.

This year’s event, which had a theme of ‘Legends’, was well attended by many clubs from the North, from Leeds to the Scottish Borders.

The first Athena team to grace the stage was the Disability Team, consisting of six gymnasts, three girls and three boys, whose routine, Athena’s Angel, was a tribute to the club’s very own legend, Gerry Fuller, who sadly passed away at the beginning of the year.

Their routine was a fitting tribute to someone who is still in the hearts of everyone at the club.

Equally fitting was the golden performance of this year’s Gymfusion which saw the academy’s second team tell the story of the Greek goddess, Athena.

All the gymnasts were dressed in gold costumes with hair and make up to match, which made this a classical performance to be remembered.

The routine was full of flowing moves, superbly executed by this talented team and applauded by the expectant audience.

Last year’s performance at Gymfusion was met with great plaudits, and once again choreographers, Samantha Robson and Brittainy Fuller, put together a stunning and memorable routine.

A spokesperson for the club said: “Athena have a very busy couple of months ahead with many of the gymnasts entering regional and national competitions including many of the boys from the Academy’s Warriors Squad, as well as the annual Christmas Showcase where you will be able to see the Gymfusion routines which are not to be missed.

“The club offer many gymnastics classes from the age of 3 years. We are always interested in welcoming new members, boys and girls, so if you are interested in joining our gymnastics family or would like more information, contact Sam on 07800 847527 or 01388 605946 or view our new website at www.athenasportsacademy.co.uk.”