Lausanne (SUI), August 19, 2009: From August 19 – 23, the city of Veliky Novgorod (RUS) will be hosting a stage on the category B FIG Acrobatic Gymnastics World Cup Series. This is a major event, particularly for gymnasts of the eastern European zone, and will sketch a new hierarchy in the discipline. 90 athletes are on the starting line from 11 different countries.
Russia and China are the favourites for this event but nothing is set in stone; the competition is wide open and is a first leg in the race for the 2010 Worlds in Wrocklaw (POL).
A few of last year’s medallists from the 2008 World Championships in Glasgow (GBR) will be in Veliky Novgorod: Alexei Dudchenko and Konstantin Pilipchuk (RUS - Silver Men's Pair); Alina Yushko and Katsiaryna Murashko (BLR - or Women's Pair); Anastasia Gorbatyuk and Akexander Barleben (RUS - Silver Mixed Pair).
Tatiana Okulova and Revaz Gurgenidze (RUS) will be making their comeback after having been sanctioned and excluded from competition since the 2007 World Cup Final in Puurs (BEL).
This is the comeback of a legendary Mixed Pair!
Symposium
A symposium is planned for August 23, 2009. It will take place in the same venue in conjunction with this FIG World Cup Series.
The symposium will be conducted by the FIG Acrobatic Gymnastics Technical Committee, FIG President Prof. Bruno Grandi (ITA) and FIG Secretary General Andre Gueisbuhler, and targets the family of Acrobatic Gymnastics.
The three major topics to be tackled are as follows: The short life cycle of competitive gymnasts. How can contributing factors such as the competition calendar, the transitional phase from age group to senior gymnastics, and life after competition be more wisely handled? Increase recognition of the discipline. How can the discipline be better promoted? Who are the discipline’s media stars? Initiatives to increase participation. In an effort to pinpoint opportunities to boost the number of countries participating in ACRO World Championships, problems need to be identified.
The Cirque du Soleil, official partner of the FIG, is jointly associated with the Symposium, which will be chaired by FIG President Prof. Bruno Grandi (ITA).
