The Salobreña sports pavilion was full of spinning midgets recently – actually, they were 5-year-old gymnasts.

Yes, the First Stage of the Gimnasia Rítmica 2016, organized by the Provincial Council, was held there with some 600 gymnasts taking part from 31 clubs & schools, with ages ranging from between five and 18-years old.

The whole thing was set up at very short notice and despite the haste involved, it got off the ground without a hitch.

However, the town’s Escuela Municipal de Gimnasia Rítmica wasn’t able to participate but they will in the Second Stage.

The Head of the municipal gymnastic school, Sara Arnedo, explained; “It’s been a bit rushed so we haven’t had time to prepare ourselves because we’ve got the Circuito Costa Tropical looming at the beginning of April.”

The participating clubs, schools and associations were from Las Gabias, Peligros, Huétor Tájar, Churriana de la Vega, Granada, Cúllar Vega, Otura, Gójar, Loja, Chauchina, Padul, Guadix, Algarinejo, Santa Fe, Alhendín, Armilla, Montefrío, Alhama, La Zubia and Baza.

Anyway, plenty of ribbons, skittles and ribbons being thrown around in synchronized glee in a display of impossible postures complete with ferociously maintained smiles; bless their cotton socks.

(News: Salobrena, Costa Tropical, Granada, Andalucia)