1st Plovdiv Cup 'Aerobics Open' and International Youth Competition
Plovdiv (BUL), September 3 - 5, 2009

From Bistra Valkova, Secretary General, Aerobic Union Bulgaria

LAUSANNE (SUI), FIG Office, September 10, 2009: A few days ago the Sports Club ”Aerobics-AMD”, with the cooperation and support of the Aerobic Union Bulgaria and the Municipality of Plovdiv, ran the 1st “Plovdiv Cup” Aerobics Open – an International Youth Competition.

The event was held on September 4 -5, 2009 in the “Novotel Plovdiv” hotel, where delegation representatives were also accommodated. Over 100 competitors from three continents took part in the event, representing seven participating federations: Austria, Czech Republic, Latvia, Mongolia, New Zealand, Russia and Bulgaria. Qualifications were held on September 4, 2009, after which the top ranking competitors took part in the Finals.

Before those Finals got underway on September 5, 2009, however, an Official Opening Ceremony was held during which the President of the Aerobic Union Bulgaria, Ms Iordanka Blagoeva, and the Deputy Mayor of Plovdiv Municipality, Mr Georgi Tituikov, welcomed and greeted attending competition participants.

The Finals were highly competitive, and the audience enjoyed skilled performances given by top competitors in every category and age group. One of the most memorable routines was performed by Charlotte Bass from New Zealand (IW 15-17) who received the highest score for the competition (19.700) and a Gold medal.

Medals for the remaining categories and age groups were distributed as follows:

Age Group 12 -14	GOLD	SILVER	BRONZE		Age Group 15 -17	GOLD	SILVER	BRONZE
Individual Women	BUL	BUL	CZE		Individual Women	NZL	AUT	BUL
Trios	BUL	AUT	CZE		Trios	BUL	AUT
Groups	BUL	AUT

Following the award ceremonies, a Gala was held in honour of 150 years of gymnastics in Plovdiv. Bulgarian Gymnastics Federation President Mr Iordan Yovchev, a native who began his gymnastic career in Plovdiv, was present at the Gala. A spectacular demonstration of the different gymnastic disciplines brought down the house, and awards were presented to the people who have contributed to the development of gymnastics in Plovdiv.

The competition and Gala sparked media interest as well. Clips of the events were broadcasted over several Bulgarian TV networks.

The 1st “Plovdiv Cup” Aerobics Open was a great experience and success for competitors and coaches alike, and Organisers addressed a special thanks to all participating federations; they look forward to this event becoming a tradition in Plovdiv, one that will draw a growing number of nations worldwide.