Congress of World Gymnastics in Helsinki

Helsinki (FIN), October 17, 2008: On the occasion of the 77th Congress and General Assembly of the International Federation of Gymnastics (FIG), the authorities of the City of Forli (ITA), the hometown of Professor Bruno Grandi, President of the FIG, have offered copies of Girolamo Mercuriale’s book, 'De Arte Gymnastica', to the 102 federations in attendance.
The first edition of this work was published in 1569.  Its content is entirely devoted to the interconnection between man and sport. The author was the first one to prove that movement is a biological phenomenon, and that physical activity is most essential to the quality of our lives.  Mercuriale has laid the foundations of physical education, within the context of medical and general knowledge.

A solemn moment: Mrs. Tarja Halonen, President of the Republic of Finland (left and Mr Jussi Pajunen, Mayor of Helsinki, receive the book of Girolamo Mercuriale, a gift from the City of Forli presented to her by Professor Bruno Grandi.

To symbolize the inseparable link of sport and gymnastics, of movement and health, of biomechanics and the work of Mercuriale, the Forli officials have asked their famous representative to give a copy of the book to each delegation.