Annabell Jovian, 8, and Leonor Palma, 12, of Louletano Desportos Clube, have been crowned National Champions in Women's Pairs in the Children's Category of Acrobatic Gymnastics. The title was claimed on 1 May at the Pavilhão Paz e Amizade in Loures, at the National Children's Championship organised by the Portuguese Gymnastics Federation (Federação de Ginástica de Portugal, FGP).

Coached by Bianca Cruz, Milene Gonçalves and Micaela Faquinéu, the Algarve duo scored 26.900 points to take first place on the national podium.

Reflecting on the result, Bianca Cruz said: "The pride we feel in these two girls, and in all the others, is priceless. This result comes from a lot of hard work, dedication, and love for gymnastics. The two of them stepped onto the floor, but they did it for the whole team supporting them, and that alone makes them winners."

Credits: Supplied Image;

Loulé's strong showing continued at the same championship, where Lourenço Gil and Isis Guerreiro, athletes from APAGL (Associação de Pais e Amigos da Ginástica de Loulé), claimed first place at national level in the Mixed Pairs Children's Category with 25.900 points.

The two national titles reinforce Loulé's place in Portuguese acrobatic gymnastics and confirm the municipality as one of the leading centres for the discipline in the south of the country.

About Louletano Desportos Clube

Founded on 6 June 1923, Louletano Desportos Clube was created from the merger of two associations dedicated to sporting and social activity in what was then the town of Loulé. Football and cycling are the club's historic disciplines, and the Gymnastics and Swimming departments were added in the 1980s, today bringing together approximately 1,500 athletes. Throughout its history, the club has won numerous national titles and records and produced athletes who have represented Portugal in international competitions.

About APAGL

The Associação de Pais e Amigos da Ginástica de Loulé (APAGL) is a non-profit organisation dedicated to the development and practice of gymnastics activities. Its objectives include athlete development and participation in national and international competitions, across the disciplines of Acrobatic Gymnastics, Trampolining and Gymnastics for All.