Gymnastics contest

Lausanne (SUI) FIG Office, June 3, 2009: With kick-off for the premier edition of the Gym for Life Challenge just 40 days away, the FIG is pleased to announce that participation objectives have been reached with 80 clubs on the starting line.

Much to the satisfaction of a large majority of fans, this is the first time since its founding in 1881 that the FIG has granted Gymnastics for All a contest event, one duly scored by a college of experts. The rules welcome novice groups of any size and with gymnasts of all ages.

The competition is set for July 15 – 19, 2009 in Dornbirn, in the heart of Austrian Vorarlberg. 2,000 gymnasts from some 5 continents will unite under the banner of gymnastics. And at the close of the event one single club will be crowned World Champion for a four-year term, handing over its title to a succeeding champion at the 2013 Gym for Life Challenge.

A totally new concept, the Challenge will be held every four years, alternating with the World Gymnaestrada, the 11th edition of which is set for Lausanne (SUI) in 2011.