Participants at the 11th Inter-school Trampoline Competition had a good time showing off their skills on the bouncy canvas. The two-day event, organised by the Gymnastics Association of Hong Kong (GAHK), was held at the Harbour Road Sports Centre in Wan Chai over the weekend. It attracted more than 120 students from 24 schools.
Trampoline is one of six categories of gymnastics. It has been part of the Olympic Games since 2000. The gymnasts perform simple jumps or more complex routines like somersaults and twists.
Although the sport originated in Europe, mainland athletes have become the best in the world. Some local artistic gymnasts, such as Derek Chu Wai-hung, have switched to the trampoline.
Derek, 16, took up the sport three years ago. 'When I was small, I was attracted by gymnastics shows on TV. The gymnasts were really cool! That's why I started learning gymnastics,' he said.
'However, training is harsh and competition is keen. I felt I was not enjoying it any more. Therefore, I switched to trampoline. I find it more relaxing and interesting.
'I can perform many jumps and drops, somersaults and twists on the mat. I enjoy doing it alone, but I also like to compete in synchronised trampoline.'
The Form Four student from Carmel Pak U Secondary School said he 'likes to play games' on the canvas. For example, 'I stay in the centre of the mat. Then a gymnast will jump in towards me from each of the four corners at the same time, trying to bounce me to a much higher level. It's really exciting', he added.
