Lausanne (SUI) FIG Office, September 5, 2008: The 77th Congress and General Assembly will open in just 40 days, and to date, the FIG has registered 83 national federations and 366 delegates. Finnish organisers at SVOLI, the national gymnastics federation, are awaiting last-minute registration confirmations, which should bring participation to a total of 90 countries and 400 individuals.

This Congress marks the renewing of FIG authorities. A record 155 candidates are running for some 93 positions. Certain committees will undergo radical change to their structures due to the significant number of individuals retiring. The outgoing incumbent is, notably, the sole candidate in his presidential re-election. Prof Bruno Grandi (ITA) was elected to his first term of office at the Congress in Atlanta (USA) in 1996.

The FIG Presidential Commission will have the honour of attending a reception given by the President of the Republic of Finland, Ms Tarja Halonen. Helsinki Mayor Mr Jussi Pajunen will address delegates at the opening of the Congress.

More than 20 individuals from SVOLI are working alongside faithful volunteers to prepare this significant event; one which will have long term effects on the Federation over the upcoming 2009 – 2012 Olympic cycle.