At the beginning of July, eight members of the Abbotsford Skipping Sensations and their head coach travelled to sunny Orlando, Florida to compete in the World Jump Rope Championships from July 1-6, 2018. Included in the group were AFGC members Sadie and Libby Baird. The trip was possible in part due to some fundraising opportunities provided by the Abbotsford Fish and Game Club. (A few members of the team were able to wash dishes and collect bottles at the game supper in February, where they also gave a brief skipping demonstration to an enthusiastic crowd). Kerry Baird, also an AFGC member, was one of the team chaperones and fulfilled freestyle judging duties at the competition.
The team did fantastic, garnering a total of 27 medals and trophies combined! Highlights for Libby (winning 4 medals), included a silver medal and a personal best in the 30s event, and a personal best in the 3 minute speed event with a new provincial record. Additionally, she and her partner won the gold medal in the Pairs Wheel Freestyle event.
Highlights for Sadie (winning 4 medals and a trophy) included a personal best in the Triple-Unders event and qualifying for the Grand Finale in the Team Single Rope Speed Relay which earned her team a second place Grands Trophy and a new National Record!
The Abbotsford Skipping Sensations club was only 1 of 2 Canadian teams to qualify for the Grands portion of the tournament (which is a finale of the best scores across the entire tournament), and they qualified in two events. It was a great finish to the 2018 season for the team and it was a great way to end a decorated career for veteran coach, Deirdre DeGagne who had announced her retirement earlier this year after almost 30 years of coaching.
The Abbotsford Skipping Sensations would like to extend their gratitude to the Abbotsford Fish and Game Club for their generous support!
