A TEAM of Palatine High School pupils are hoping to jump for joy in the British Gymnastic Ministrada.

The youngsters, led by Palatine PE teacher and national coach Nicky Bruns, will be taking to the floor at the Everton Park Sports Centre in Liverpool this weekend (Nov 20 - 21) to compete against teams from all over the UK.

And the school have done well to get even this far - the competition is usually contested between gymnasium clubs only.

The energetic 37-strong Palatine team will compete in three disciplines - floor, vault and trampette - with the aim of bringing home as many trophies as possible. Nicky said: "I'm tremendously proud of all the gymnasts who are taking part this weekend.

"But I don't want to pile too much expectation on them. Just being able to perform in front of the audience, which could be up to 1,000 people, will be hard enough. As long as the event goes smoothly and no-one gets injured then I will be happy."

The medals will be presented to the winners by World and Olympic silver medallist Neil Thomas who is keen to get more schools involved in gymnastics.

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