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PUEBLO OF ISLETA — With Gladys Knight and The Mavericks set to hit the stage in February at Isleta Casino and Resort, 800 gymnasts turned into something of an opening act.
The three-day Southwest Winter Fiesta, Jan. 24-26, attracted young gymnasts from around the region, including at least one competitor from Hawaii.
With the Fiesta right up the road, Boardwalk Gymnastics of Belen was well represented. “Our kids did really well,” said Lori Kapalko, owner of the club. Boardwalk highlights included an all-around championship from Brooke Chavez in level six and a dozen scores of nine or higher from a variety of competitors.
In addition, Boardwalk had a level seven third-place finish in the team category with Milania Pino, Andi Rushing and Sophia Meyers. “All three kicked butt,” according to Kapalko.
Belen’s Candice Sanchez, competing for Albuquerque’s Precision Gymnastics Academy (PGA), placed in four events in level four; first on floor, second in vault, and third in floor and all-around.
PGA, the host club, moved the Fiesta to Isleta from the Albuquerque Convention Center. Vicki Davis, PGA owner, was appreciative of the staff, the layout and variety the complex offered.
For the Boardwalk coaches, like Melissa Gabaldon, it was an ideal setting. “It was cool to have a different venue, something open, places to eat and things to do,” Gabaldon said. “It takes a little bit of nerves away from the kids because it’s not in a regular gym.”
