The CCY Dynamite Gymnastics Team recently brought home its first state championship banner in the history of the Crescenta-Cañada Family YMCA.

The California State Gymnastics Competition was held on May 19 and May 20 and featured teams from Los Angeles, the Inland Empire and Orange County. The Y’s team is composed of 17 girls between the ages of 7 and 13 from the local community.

The CCY Dynamite Gymnastics Team joined the United States Association of Independent Gymnastics Team – USAIGC – in early 2012. At its first competition as an official USAIGC team in February, several of the girls won first place in the all-around category, and as a team ranked fifth.

In April, the team challenged 15 other gymnasiums at the 2012 Jewel City Invitational held in Burbank. The CCY Dynamite Gymnastics Team was successful at winning the majority of individual competitions, and brought home the first place trophy.

“I have never been prouder of a group of kids in my 32 years of coaching,” said Bruce Waggoner, long-time volunteer coach of the team.

“Our girls have worked so hard and earned this victory as a team with class,” said Head Coach Annie Azizian.  “We strive to not only teach these girls gymnastics, but also values and character.”

Next, the team heads to the National Gymnastics Championships in Florida from June 25 to July 3.

Meeting the costs associated with the trip will be a challenge. The team mothers have created a fund and are looking for further community support.  Every contribution made will bring them one step closer to the national championships in Florida.