In December 2022, our WAG Pre-Juniors attended a two-week NTC Japan Training Camp that was held from 3^rd Dec – 17^th Dec in Niigata, Nagaoka. The team which comprised of 9 athletes includes: Arya Daneen (13), Charlotte Phoon (12), Kei Rui Qi (12), Nicola Ng (12), Adele Tan (12), Clara Toh (12), Melody Hoon (11), Zoey Ooi (11) and Izen Lim (9).  

We are glad that our athletes were given such an opportunity to venture outside of Singapore to gain some insightful experiences, that will come in handy moving forward in their Gymnastics career. The main purpose of this training camp was to allow them to gain overseas exposure, to understand how to adapt to different training environments, to be independent. Lastly to see how Gymnastics is in one of the top reigning Gymnastics’ country, Japan.

The team worked closely alongside Maruyama Sensei, from the Nagaoka Junior Gymnastics Club for twelve sessions. At Singapore Gymnastics, we would like to extend our gratitude to Maruyama Sensei for having the team and for also sharing her experiences and knowledge with us. Formally from China, Maruyama Sensei moved to Japan to begin her coaching journey and has been staying in Nagaoka for the last 35 years. Our Pre-Juniors also had the opportunity to train alongside Nei Rong (16), who was on the Japanese National Team when she was a Junior. Trainings with Maruyama Sensei was focused on artistry preparation, leaps and turns, and skill basics for all apparatus.

The arrival of our WAG Pre-Juniors in Nagaoka also stirred some excitement within the Niigata prefecture. We are super thankful to be invited for an interview, and to also be featured in an article for their local newspaper.

https://www.niigata-nippo.co.jp/articles/-/151298

“This training camp was an amazing opportunity for both our athletes and coaches. As a coaching team, we can agree that this camp exceeded our expectations, and we are very thankful for the friendships and connections made along the way. In these two weeks, I have seen how our athletes matured as an individual and grew as a team. The main value that our coaches emphasized on for this trip was ‘Teamwork’ and it was endearing to see how our athletes managed to portray it in every possible way. From looking out for each other, to welcoming the Japanese team with open arms by preparing Christmas gifts and souvenirs from Singapore, and by writing a handwritten letter to thank Maruyama Sensei. I am proud of how much they have grown not only in their Gymnastics, but also as an individual.” – Luretta Seah, Team Manager