Fifty-seven dedicated women athletes get into the rhythm

GYMNASTICS: Fifty seven women from all corners of the globe participated in yesterday's rhythmic gymnastics at the RDS. Patricia Weston reports.

Women aged from nine to 55 took part in the event, according to Emer Darcy, gymnastics co-ordinator of the Special Olympics.

MC Robert Harley kept spirits high and the world games cheer going throughout the performances. Rousing the crowd and displaying energy, vigour and enthusiasm, Robert sprinted back and forth encouraging spectators to make a Mexican wave to "let the gymnasts know you're alive".

"Standards are very high," said Lorna McCracken, rhythmic gymnastics coordinator. "The rhythmic event incorporates dance moves with the use of apparatuses such as the hoop, ball, ribbon and rope," she explained.

It is a highly skilled event. "Dance, body movement, co-ordination, grace and elegance are necessary skills for the rhythmic gymnast," she added.

"Scoring is very strict," according to Irish coach Dorothy Kavanagh. Two panels- one technical, one execution - evaluate each routine performed before combining the scores to produce the final result.

All levels took part in yesterday's "divisioning", which determined the ability group or category of each participant. Yesterday's event accounted for 25 per cent of the overall award score. The final competition takes place on Wednesday, when athletes will be awarded medals for their performances.

Eithne Gormley (55), the oldest rhythmic gymnast to take part, brought her "nifty 50 supporters" all the way from Skerries to cheer her on.

Irish coach Mary Fitzgerald praised the hard work of the gymnasts.