Baton twirlers set for Canada

Dublin People 08 May 2015

Pictured are members of the successful Northern Star Twirlers’ club who will compete on the international stage in Canada.

A GROUP of 13 athletes from the Northside were recently selected to represent Ireland at the World Baton Twirling International Cup which will take place in Abbotsford, Canada from August 5-9.

The national trials event, hosted by the Baton Twirling and Sport Association Ireland (BTSAI), took place at the Artane Beaumont Family Recreation Centre and saw athletes from all over the country competing in an exciting and suspense-filled competition.

The international competition in Canada will see more than 500 athletes from 14 different countries compete for the honour of being crowned World Champions.

The event is contested in divisions which include individual solos, pairs, teams and groups.

Baton Twirling in Ireland is a growing sport which has increased in popularity since its inception in 1973.

The Dublin athletes selected are members of the Northern Star Twirlers, a club that was formed almost 10 years ago and which today has over 50 members.

The athletes selected to be part of the Ireland squad are from Artane, Coolock, Swords, Raheny, Lusk and Malahide.

Sarah Sexton, a director of Northern Star Twirlers, said they were thrilled to once again have athletes selected to represent Ireland in international competition.

“The group have been working hard over the past number of months and we look forward to turning out some strong performances this summer in Canada,

? said Ms Sexton.

The athletes will now face a grueling training schedule as they continue to work hard over the remaining months before the competition.

Baton Twirling is an artistic sport combining the technical skill of twirling the baton with the grace and artistry of ballet, the enthusiasm of jazz dance, and the agility and stamina of gymnastics.

The solo event is one of the fundamental disciplines of the sport demanding a technically complex individual display of twirling skills for a panel of judges.

Northern Star Twirlers run classes for children aged three and upwards at all levels in the Swords, Coolock and Leixlip areas. For more information, phone 087-6593984.