GIRLS INC. OF CENTRAL CONNECTICUT GYMNASTICS SUCCESSES AT 2026 AAU DISTRICT AND REGIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS
The non-profit affiliate’s gymnastics team celebrates their achievements at the end-of-season championship competitions
MERIDEN, CT, June 8, 2026— Girls Inc. of Central Connecticut’s (GICCT) competitive gymnastics team celebrated an exciting month of competition in May, participating in the AAU CT District Championships in Bristol, CT, and the Northeast Regional Championships in New Hartford, CT as part of the league’s Xcel Program.
The District Championships brought several standout achievements for GICCT’s Bronze Level squad. Three gymnasts earned first-place all-around titles in their age divisions: Sonia Lindsley (Middletown), Maddie Lindsley (Middletown), and Anna Moro (Meriden).
The Bronze squad had even more to celebrate, including:
- Penny Hogan (Meriden) scoring GICCT’s first-ever perfect 10 on uneven bars.
- Sonia Lindsley receiving the All-American Award, presented to the gymnast with the highest all-around score in her competitive session.
- Anna Moro achieving a “clean sweep”, earning first place on all four events—vault, uneven bars, balance beam, and floor exercise—while setting a new GICCT all-around score record with a 38.85 out of 40.
Their strong performances helped the Bronze Team earn second place, while GICCT’s Gold Level squad captured third place.
The Regional Championships, which brought together gymnasts from across the Northeast, gave another opportunity for GICCT athletes to shine. Six gymnasts earned first-place all-around in their age divisions, and seven gymnasts were named to the Regional Team—an honor awarded to athletes who earned one of the top three event scores in their competitive session.
First place:
- Bronze level – Maddie Lindsley, Sonia Lindsley, Anna Moro
- Silver level – Brooke Ortega (Meriden)
- Gold level – Annabelle Laferriere (Meriden), Hananiah Ligon (Meriden)
Regional Team:
- Bronze level – Maddie Lindsley, Sonia Lindsley, Leila Wright (Meriden)
- Silver level – Brooke Ortega
- Gold level – Annabelle Laferriere, Hananiah Ligon, Natalie Lopez (Waterbury)
GICCT’s gymnastics program, which has served the community for decades, has experienced significant growth in recent years. It continues to make its mark both locally and on the AAU Gymnastics stage, with increasing team success and a growing number of gymnasts earning podium finishes. This month, GICCT will reach another milestone by participating in the AAU National Championships for the first time. Gymnasts will travel to Knoxville, Tennessee, from June 18–21 to compete as part of Team Connecticut, proudly representing both their state and the spirit of Girls Inc.
Photo credits: Mike McPherson and Allison Mott Photography
About Girls Inc. of Meriden and Central CT
In partnership with schools, community-based organizations, and at Girls Inc. centers, Girls Inc. focuses on the development of the whole girl. Girls learn to value themselves, take risks, and discover and develop their inherent strengths. The combination of long-lasting mentoring relationships, a pro-girl environment, and evidence-based programming equips girls to navigate gender, economic, and social barriers, and grow up healthy, educated, and independent. Each day, Girls Inc. inspires ALL girls to be strong, smart, and bold.
Girls Inc. of Meriden and Central CT Website
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