The Dream Team returns with Gold from National games 2010.

The train left Dublin with 18 excited gymnasts and a few anxious coaches..this was it - the event we had trained for all year. The Special Olympic National games was just a train ride away and the Bayside crew were ready for the 4 day event.

The Team

Our team of 19 gymnasts , 5 chaperones and 4 coaches took up residence in the University of Limerick and as bags were unpacked, beds sorted and food prepared , the fun and laughter gathered momentum in each of our new homes.

Who had the key? Where was the milk? What happens with the tickets? Where will I put this? Did you see my case? Can I have a pyjama party? Does this belong to us? Who is in my room? Is it disco time yet? Where’s dinner.....

As the questions tumbled out of our houses, the chaperones Kevin, Michael, Marie, Therese and Jean expertly settled the gymnasts into Kilmurray Village and so began an exciting and magical few days for us all. Gymnasts were allocated tasks within the house ,sharing the responsibilities associated with any household. It was wonderful to see the seniors looking out for the younger members of the team, including coaching skills on the mattress and reading the “bedtime stories” to the under 12 crew. The coaches enjoyed this too....

Opening ceremony

The opening ceremony was hosted in Thomand Park. A fantastic venue for a great concert – and that just at our seats ! We danced and rocked and sang and cheered as we enjoyed performances from local and National groups including a few numbers from The Cranberries.

With family and friends in the bleachers, we had such fun waving up at our club fans. We felt just as important as the visiting dignitaries. Thanks to all our supporters for making the trip to Limerick. We really appreciated the flags and camera calls.

Competition

Competition began with the divisioning (classification) events for both Artistic and Rhythmic gymnasts. Bayside Gymnastics had participants in all categories, so the coaching team had a full time job, just following the programme!

Gymnasts were amazing. They brought a special something to the competition floor – as they always do – and in their confident and well trained manner, they produced clean routines , technically correct and full of smiles, knowing inside that they had just done another “personal best”!

Many of our team had never competed at a National Games before, so the experience of staying away from home, participating in large group activities, waiting your turn and respecting the protocol of the sport was a task in itself. Well done to you all.

Coaching Team

The chaperones were joined by the other club coaches and together they created the plan to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for the team. With so many events to cover, Kevin, Michael, Tom, Julie, Therese, Jean, Marie , K2 and Trish (head coach) switched hats many times, ensuring that every person received the same attention and preparation before their competition. Gymnasts were encouraged to display their skills and talents and to enjoy the rapturous applause from the audience in the gym.

Following a well structured coaching plan, the team operated with grace and professionalism rarely seen at an International event. Irrespective of the gymnasts ability, coaches rewarded every performance with love and smiles and a massive “high 5” ( plus a few tears of pride too !)

Fun and Laughter

With divisioning events completed and categories assigned, the heat was on for the final competitions over the next 2 days. Despite a hectic competition schedule, we still had time for the social activities and the evening parties were a must !

Face painting, nail art, mini golf, salsa nights and karaoke sessions kept the team entertained. However, in true Bayside Gymnastics style, the traditional “BG pyjama party” was the highlight of our trip. The complete team gathered in one house and staged a concert to beat the opening ceremony, with our very own Cranberries, Jedwords and Beyonce lookalikes in attendance!

We had clowns and jesters and singers and dancers of all ages! Even the coaches joined in with their own version of “Simply the Best”..what a night!

The Dream team appears

Final competition day saw the girls appear in their new leotards, with beautiful hair styles and a sprinkle of magic dust to add to the sparkle of the event. The gentlemen, decked out in new shorts and tank tops, looked so handsome and the scent of Hugo Boss and Versace was a giveaway sign that it was a really important day for us all.

Coaches too looked different. Confident, professional and excited. This team from North Dublin stepped into the arena knowing that they deserved to win and win big. For coaches, it wasn’t about medals , it was children and young adults overcoming challenges, staying the course irrespective of falls and being there for your team mate - coach and gymnast -when they felt nervous or overcome with emotions.

The final 8 hours of competition for boys and girls was electric. With performances reaching way beyond personal bests and the crowd sensing the importance of every step, every turn on the beam, every leg lift on pommel, it was a breathtaking atmosphere in the gym.

So many highlights, so many personal achievements.

Rebecca vaulting without assistance, Laurence remembering his floor routine, Tara remembering her “high heels” with ribbon, Ellen holding her balances, Fergal’s strength on vault, Jacks amazing uplift on high bar, Eoin’s incredible vault, Aine and her casual grin during her floor routine, Luke’s consistent performance, Hannah’s “knowing” that she did great on beam, Amy’s flawless handstand, Sile managing her ball routine, Philips tenacity on bars, China’s unassisted bar routine, Emma’s belief in herself on floor, Heathers courage on bars, Megans forward roll, Darren’s floor routine connections and Kiera’s level 2 bar routine.

A magnificent achievement for each and every one of them.

Among thousands of beautiful memories, the team took home a medal collection of 35 Gold, 27 Silver and 17 Bronze and numerous place ribbons.

The gold medal winners are now entered into a “RANDOM” selection draw for a place on the team to represent Ireland at the World Special Olympic Summer Games in Athens in 2011.

We are keeping our fingers crossed...

Thank You

Perhaps you helped with equipment or offered a donation to our costs, perhaps you baked scones for coaches or brought us apples weekly, perhaps you offered transport or opened a storage area, perhaps you made tea for coaches or got the loo rolls from Tesco, perhaps you applauded a child, cheered a performance or encouraged a coach with a kind word.

Perhaps you were in the crowd at the opening ceremony, or collected suitcases from our accommodation. Perhaps you sat for hours in the hot gym or applauded 400 award ceremonies . Perhaps you sent a good luck card, or travelled to support your buddies or perhaps you just thought of us all and send us a prayer for a successful event.

However you helped us – we are very grateful and thank you sincerely.