“Wannabee” by the Spice Girls may well have been the song of choice for one of the participating teams at last Saturday night’s Saints & Slimmers Finale event but it’s equally applicable to the dancing teams themselves as they all set out to win the coveted title of Saints & Slimmers Dance Champions for 2022.
10 teams came together to celebrate with family and friends at the conclusion of another successful programme which returned to All Saints GAC Ballymena after an absence since 2020 due to Covid. In a nod to the organisers GAA roots the various teams were named after County nicknames with teams like the Saffs, the Tribesmen and the Rebels featuring.
Held in the wonderful setting of Tullyglass House Hotel the 125 participants rounded their 7 week challenge off in some style.
Having spent the past 2 months exercising every muscle they have it was time to hit the dance floor and show off their dancing skills to over 400 friends, supporters and club members.
With 10 routines in all from Katy Perry’s California Gurls through to Chubby Checker’s Let’s Twist Again there was plenty to keep everyone entertained. And that’s just what they did. Each team put on show the final results of their seven week dance preparation to rapturous applause from those attending. But of course there were also points on offer and champions to be crowned.
First up on the night was the double title of King & Queen of The Biggest Loser competition. The competitors waited with bated breath for the overall winners to be announced. Crowned 2022 Queen was Stephanie Vajda while crowned King alongside her was Robert Patrick. Stephanie is now a two-time winner having been crowned Queen in 2020 while Robert, suitably dressed for the occasion in his Scottish Clan’s kilt, is a first time winner.
Then it was on to the Dance winners. The judges had an unenviable task in choosing their winners but choose they did and announced in 1st place was the Knockdene Healthcare Rebels led by team captain Sinead Connolly dancing to Wilson Pickett’s, “Land of 100 Dances”. 2nd place went to the the Pizza Parlour Premiers with their Noughties Mix with the McKillop’s Spar Orchards and their take on Will Smith’s “Get Jiggy With It” placed in 3rd.
Celebrations had barely receded when we were introduced to the overall champions of the seven week programme. A combination of points awarded for attendance, weight loss and team activity challenges had brought us to this point.
Deserving winners and Saints & Slimmers Champions 2022 were the McKillop’s Spar Orchards led by club Camogie coach, Noleen Spurgeon. Announced in 2nd place were the Knockdene Rebels while in 3rd place were the Teamkit Tribesmen.
Saints & Slimmers Champion s 2022, McKillop’s Spar Ochards
Saints & Slimmers has community at heart and this was very much in evidence during Saturday night’s event. Just after Christmas South West Antrim GAA circles and beyond were rocked by the news of young Connor Marron’s passing. Connor, from the Casements club in Portglenone, had strong connections with All Saints through friendships and competition forged in equal measure over the years. In consultation with the Marron family it was agreed that this year’s Saints & Slimmers charitable efforts should be directed towards the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust (KBRT) who supported the family through their difficult time.
On Saturday 5th March team members undertook a day long Spin Cycle Spinathon at the Ballymena Harmony Hub in the centre of town. Thanks to the generosity of the participants, their families and the Ballymena public a grand total of £5315.46 was raised. When added to an earlier collection at the club’s vigil in January the charity was presented with a cheque totalling £6350.99. A fitting way to pay tribute to Connor’s legacy and bring this year’s programme to a conclusion.
Colin Bell from the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust receives a cheque from Jim Brady, chairman of All Saints and Conor Connolly, vice chairman. Included in ther photograph are special guests, Fergal and Sharon Marron
Thanks must go to all of the tutors and support groups who made this year’s programme run so smoothly. They are:
Venues:
Flamingo Fitness, Ballymena
Strengthbox Fitness, Ballymena
Stlth Fitness, Cullybackey
Pedal Pushers, Cullybackey
St. Brigid’s PS, Ballymena
St. Patrick’s College, Ballymena
Slemish College, Ballymena
Tutors:
Robin, Eugene, Mairead – Ballymena Running & Athletic Club
Regan, Debbie & Sarrane – Dance Tutors
Paul, Leona, Aaron, Mary, Darius, Clare & Teresa – Fitness Tutors
Team Sponsors:
Steele Physio
Rafferty Property Services
Teamkit Ballymena
Knockdene Healthcare
Pizza Parlour, Ballymena
Balloonista Ballymena
McKillop’s Spar Fry’s Road, Ballymena
Strengthbox Fitness, Ballymena
The Training Hub, Cloughmills
ECO Flame Heating Services, Ballymena
Additional Sponsors:
Galgorm Resort & Spa
Tullyglass House Hotel
