Telfer gives ‘High 5’ full marks

Telfer showered praises on all involved, stating she is “eternally grateful to the club’s coaching staff (and) the exceptional support received from the parents of the athletes.” She also lauded the club’s choreographer Deborah Knowles-Garcia, for her “excellent work-ethic, time and patience and most notably her vision” in composing the show.

“High 5” featured approximately 200 performers who were on constant rotation throughout the evening synchronising their moves with the accompanying music and utilising props for a truly magical experience.

On Friday night, the mothers of the athletes hosted a charity event in which underprivileged children and athletes from all the gymnastics clubs throughout Trinidad and Tobago were invited to attend. Though elite local gymnast Thema Williams did not perform on the night, she made a guest appearance which resulted in an eruption of screams by her young adoring fans.

Queen’s Hall was filled to capacity the following two days, with additional seating required for the grand finale on Sunday.

Among the audience on Saturday were Sharon Rowley, wife of Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley and her daughter Tonya Rowley- Cuffie as well as Sports Minister Darryl Smith.

The transition of practising on the club’s small Dundonald Street stage to the grand Queen’s Hall stage, was one of the major challenges the youngsters encountered, but Telfer was beaming with pride as she recalled how seamlessly the performers made the switch to the larger venue and executed their routines.

The club recently celebrated its 20th anniversary and will now focus on hosting a competition from March 24-25 at the Woodbrook Youth Facility.