Winter Cup 2025 Highlights: Success of Rhythmic Gymnastics Gala and International Judges Impact

Hosted by Wings Rhythmic Gymnastics Club, hundreds of families took part in this competition and gala taking place in the Moate Sports and Recreation Centre.

• The presence of expert judges from Spain added a new level of prestige and insight, enriching the experience for athletes and coaches.

  
  

• Participants included members from the Special Olympics Squad, Competitive Squad, Development Squad, Cheerleading Squad and the Recreational programme.

  
  

On the first weekend of December, passion for rhythmic gymnastics took over the Moate Sport and Recreation centre by over 50 participants of various levels and abilities.

The event, organised by Wings Rhythmic Gymnastics, checks the readiness of routines ahead of the 2026 Season and provides a baseline to track the yearly progress of athletes, as well as fostering and engaging the rhythmic gymnastics community in the Midlands.

The Role of International Judges from Spain

One of the most talked-about aspects of the Winter Cup 2025 was the involvement of international judges from Spain, including Julia Lapuerta, who has judged in FIG events such as the World Challenge Cup 2017. Their expertise brought a fresh perspective to the scoring and evaluation process.

Their presence helped raise the standard of judging, ensuring fairness and consistency. Coaches and athletes appreciated the feedback, which was both constructive and insightful. This exposure to international judging criteria provided valuable learning opportunities.

List of Winners

Here is a list of winners from the Winter Cup 2025:

Novice D

🥇Lauren McAlea

🥈Lilli Anastazja Sikora

🥉Veronica Hvan

Pre-Espoir D

🥇Alisa Liluashvili

🥈Millie Boland

Pre-Espoir C

🥇Liva Orna

🥈Nemayian Neto

🥉Chloe Donohue

Pre- Espoir B

🥇Yeva Olefirenko

Espoir D

🥇Nairobi Henson

🥈Veronika Aleksieieva

🥉Lilu Liluashvili

Espoir C

🥇Éire Phelan

🥈Anna Tryhub

Pre Junior D

🥇Nina Rose Pereira Miley

🥈Elizabeth Malynovska

🥉Thea Tileva

Pre Junior C

🥇Ariane-Eugénie Selve

Junior D

🥇Alannah Wallace

These winners exemplified the skill and dedication that the Winter Cup aims to promote. Their success serves as motivation for other gymnasts and highlights the strength of rhythmic gymnastics in Ireland.

Miss Awards

The "Miss" Awards reward qualities and behaviours that make a good rhythmic gymnast or athlete and it's a way to measure progress and success outside the medal race.

The miss awards for this event are as follows:

• Miss Pointed Toes: Anna Tryhub

• Miss Dance Steps: Nina-Rose Pereira Miley

• Miss Difficulty: Ariane-Eugenie Selve

• Miss Expression: Yeva Olefirenko

• Miss Smile: Eire Phelan

• Miss Cheer: Lily Moran and Charlie Mannion-Bolton

• Miss Friendship: Freya Slammon

Gratitude to Torneos Ritmica

The smooth running of the Winter Cup 2025 was made possible thanks to the support of Torneos Ritmica. Their experience in organizing rhythmic gymnastics tournaments ensured that every detail, from scheduling to scoring, was handled professionally. This partnership allowed Wings Rhythmic Gymnastics Club to focus on athlete experience and community engagement.

Torneos Ritmica’s involvement also helped attract international judges and participants, raising the event’s profile and setting a high standard for future competitions in Ireland.

Promoting Rhythmic Gymnastics Locally

Events like the Winter Cup 2025 play a crucial role in promoting sports and physical activity locally. Events allow for:

• Promoting visibility for girls in sport and inspiring local girls

• Allows for extended family ( such as grandparents) to watch and support athletes

• Accessible events that do not require long travel or alterations to sleeping schedules

• Fair opportunity for local girls to compete under the same conditions as girls in city areas

  
  

Looking Ahead

The attention now shifts to the Wings Cup 2026, expected to be celebrated on June 2026. Stay tuned for updates!