WALDORF, Maryland -- 288 female gymnasts from USA Gymnastics clubs located throughout Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia visited Southern Maryland to compete in the USA Gymnastics Region VII Level 8 Championships.

This three-day event was the final major competition of the 09 season for these young athletes ranging in age from 9 to 39. Featuring 53 participants from Maryland, and 99 clubs from surrounding states, this is the first time the annual Level 8 USA Championship has ever been hosted in Southern Maryland. "The opportunity to open the Unique Sports Academy gym to such a prestigious event is truly an honor," said Kevin Wagner, Meet Director. "The caliber of competition was excellent, and it was exciting to see the number of gymnasts, coaches, judges and spectators it brought into Charles County.

The Maryland gymnasts in each age group came together as one team to support and rally each other on," Wagner continued, "and the unity paid off -- for the first-time ever -- Team Maryland earned first place in the Team Championship". The Southern Maryland region was strongly represented by two local gymnasts, Lyndsey Mathis (11) and Deja Hicks (12), each members of the Unique Sports Academy Gymnastics Team. Mathis finished 22nd overall and received a 9.275 for her Floor routine, and Hicks finished 34th overall and received a 9.075 on her Floor routine. We were really proud of our gymnasts, said Joe Taglisferi, Unique Gymnastics Owner and Head Coach. "The competition at this elite level is tough, but each of our athletes were prepared and ready to go head-to-head with the best in the region."

Many local Southern Maryland businesses made contributions, and the Unique Sports Academy staff and parent volunteers came together to ensure this Level 8 Regional Championship was a very positive experience for the Judges, participants, their families, and our community. Unique Sports Academy's mission is to promote fitness, education, and social values at all ages. Our programs are designed to stimulate dreams and offer opportunities of competition in a safe and positive learning environment. Our goal is to provide each athlete a complete range of physical and mental challenges promoting strength, power, flexibility, agility, confidence, discipline and positive attitude to compete locally, regionally, and nationally in sports and prepare for life's challenges. Our certified Coaches are experienced at all levels of competition and provide a positive, constructive instruction enabling gymnasts to achieve their dreams in a family oriented environment. Our teaming with local public and private education institutes offer our coaches and gymnasts with the opportunity to advance academically within the community.

For additional information go to www.uniquesportsacademy.com