77th FIG Congress in Helsinki (FIN)
Helsinki (FIN) - FIG Office, October 19, 2008: At the close of three days of intense deliberations, the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) has re-elected its governing body. 380 delegates representing 90 of the 129 affiliated federations designated the 122 individuals who will sit on a line-up of committees and commissions for the duration of the 2009 – 2012 Olympic cycle.
The Assembly re-elected incumbent President Prof. Bruno Grandi (ITA), who will undertake a fourth mandate (1996), and three Vice Presidents, Dr Michel Léglise (FRA), Ms Slava Corn (CAN) and Mr Koji Takizawa (JPN). Certain committees are more affected by the elections than others, with a significant number of newly elected individuals. The Technical Committees for Rhythmic and Acrobatic count 5 new members out of a total of 7; while the Executive Committee bears a one-third percent change.
Among those individuals leaving their positions within the FIG are Ms Egle Abruzzini (ITA), Prof. Patricia Wade (GBR) and Mr John Atkinson (GBR), Rhythmic, Acrobatic and Aerobic Technical Presidents respectively, as well as Nicolae Vieru (ROU), a faithful member of the Executive Committee for over 3 decades. In honour of their careers and exemplary contribution to gymnastics, a moving tribute was paid to each of these individuals.
Sport Justice
Among the many issues on the table at this Congress, sport justice was the pivotal point that most inspired the President of the FIG. “Without justice in sport, we would be non-existent!” insisted the head of the FIG repeatedly. “Too many individuals continue to foster a short-term vision for our federation, which undermines the development and reputation of our sport. I intend to focus my attention on this issue; we will eradicate the influences most harmful to our sport,” added the President, in a warning to those who may still harbour doubt as to his convictions.
Development was another recurring issue at the Congress. “When taking into consideration the development of our federation, we need to make it a point to reduce the existing disparities between the stronger and weaker federations. Too many federations are unable to keep up with gymnastics as it evolves, for a lack of funds,” declared the President. “The gap is widening, and a limited distribution of medals among too restricted a number of countries is the disastrous consequence threatening universality today. Universality in gymnastics is both essential and existential to our federation. Our credibility and economic resources depend on fair and even distribution.” Remember Patras, where the world championship sported a purely European look.
Gymnastics for All also fell under the President’s vision for development. “Our sport is a basic one. Gymnastics embodies basic human movement. Without it, there would be no life. More often than not, we forget this simple concept. Other federations have surpassed us in this area, and it has become imperative that we seize our opportunity to move forward once and for all. For this reason, the premier edition of the Gym for Life Challenge has been organised for next year.” The same event organisers responsible for orchestrating the 2007 World Gymnaestrada in Dornbirn, deep in the heart of the Vorarlberg region, were present in Finland. Also in Helsinki were delegates of the 2011 edition of this mega event, to be held in the Olympic capital of Lausanne (SUI) where is located the seat of the International Gymnastics Federation.
Olympic Recognition and the Magic of the Circus
President Grandi took a moment at the opening of the Congress and on behalf of the International Olympic Committee to honour Ms Kirsti Partanen, President of the Finnish Gymnastics Federation, with the “Women and Sport” diploma for her decisive action within the federation. The award is a tribute to her work and contribution as President of a federation that boasts a long history in the discipline and which promotes gymnastic practise throughout the country and for all people.
This Olympic recognition sounds the victory of excellence, and mirrors the reasons for which the FIG and the Cirque du Soleil signed an agreement, which CdS representatives presented and shared with those present at the Congress. The magic of the circus enraptured congressional delegates, who fully embraced both parties’ pursuit of excellence. The Circus stimulates the senses, evokes the imaginary, and awakens emotion. These are the elements that guide the company’s activities, with its 3,000 employees and 1,100 gymnasts who performed some 6,000 times in 2008.
Objective 2012
The FIG, along with its new authorities, will be devoting itself to finalising the projects put forth by President Grandi. Development, sport justice and a careful examination of competition rules judged overly complicated. The calendar, the Youth Olympic Games, financial independence and stability, respect for the fundamental values that have shaped the success of the FIG; these are the issues facing our leaders today. Phs/az
