Finnish Gymnastics Federation
Kirsti Partanen recognized

Lausanne (SUI) / FIG Office, January 18, 2012: Kirsti Partanen, former President of the Finnish Gymnastics Federation and FIG Council Member, was named Most Influential Person in Finnish Sports 2011 by the highest authorities in national sport; public and press were present for the ceremony during the annual Finnish Sports Gala.

The accolade recognizes Kirsti Partanen’s contribution to the merging of two gymnastics associations, joined in 2004 to form the FIG member federation as we know it today and which Partanen chaired until 2011. She was also an important member of Finland’s NOC Executive Committee from 2004 – 2008. Her personal stance on and commitment to the sport have contributed to its development, as well as to the advancement of women in sport throughout Finland.

Today, the most influential person in Finnish sports maintains her role as Vice-President of the Finnish Sport Federation and President of the Organising Committee for the World Gymnaestrada, scheduled for Helsinki 2015.

Held for the first time in 2008, the Finnish Sports Gala awards the most active personalities in Finnish sports; the gala is open to the public, broadcasted live, and enjoys growing popularity throughout Finland.

In the photo there are from the left: new president of Finnish Gymnastics Federation Ms. Anne Martikainen, artistic gymnast Tomi Tuuha, Ms. Kirsti Partanen with the award and the secretary general of Finnish Gymnastics Federation Ms. Maria Laakso. Photo FIN - Saija Suominen.

http://www.suomenurheilugaala.fi/in+english/

NEW PRESIDENT!
Lausanne (SUI) / FIG Office, January 8, 2012: On January 6, 2012, the Portuguese Gymnastics Federation elected Mr João Paulo Oliveira do Nascimento e da Rocha as its President. The election follows the resignation of Manuel Boa de Jesus last November.

The Portuguese Federation, which is extremely active on the international scene, is in a difficult economic situation domestically. This resulted in the cancellation, on December 13, of the renowned Portimao Rhythmic Gymnastics tournament, scheduled for April 2012 and which counts towards the World Cup.

The FIG wishes Portuguese gymnastics and its new President Joao Paulo Rocha a swift return to a more stable economy, and will be pleased to quickly restore their international events to its calendar.phs
 

FIG Academy Programme

LAUSANNE (SUI), FIG Office, December 13, 2011: The FIG Academies, a worldwide education programme for coaches in the federation’s six competitive disciplines that was launched in 2002, celebrated the 10th year of its existence in 2011.

With eighteen Academies held throughout the year in fourteen different countries and on all continents, the programme that has as its goal to provide gymnastically developing and fully developed countries with a common knowledge base for the growth of high performance gymnasts, now counts a total of 118 Academies overall. In October, overall participation reached 3,000 coaches, marking an important milestone for this education programme.

The FIG Academy Programme consists of three levels of coach education. Federations may enter at a level that reflects their specific gymnastic coaching education programmes at home. Thus, federations with no gymnastics coaching education or only occasional coaching clinics must begin at Level 1. Those with formal coaching education programmes may begin at Level 2. Those with formal university degree programmes specifically for gymnastic coaches may begin at Level 3. Level 3 candidates who meet special pre-requisites and achieve exceptional examination results will be awarded with an FIG Coaches’ Brevet.

Even though the FIG does not certify or license coaches, federation-oriented responsibility, the seven-day Academy courses conclude with a comprehensive theoretical and practical examination.

Overview of Academies and Levels held in 2011

This three-level FIG Academy Programme has a high performance orientation but is supplemented, in cooperation with the FIG Gymnastics for All Committee, with a cross-discipline Gymnastics Foundations course targeting federations that are in the preliminary stages of establishing organised gymnastics programmes in their countries.

Each year, the FIG allocates a significant sum to its associated continental unions for development projects, with a certain percentage of this contribution being used for the organisation and participation of coaches at the Academy programmes.

Effective as of the year 2012, candidates for mandates within any FIG Technical Committee must have participated at a Level 3 Academy for their respective discipline. However, a Coaching Brevet is not mandatory.

Outlook for 2012

A total of twenty-five Academies are planned in 2012 with the following confirmed to date:

Overview of confirmed Academies and Levels planned for 2012

Hardy Fink, the FIG Director of Education and Academy Programmes, said:  “With the participation now of over 1,700 different coaches from 106 member federations at 118 Academies hosted by 44 countries, the FIG Academy Programme can now claim to be a world-wide programme. The coming year will bring even more Academies to make up for some of the ones that had to be postponed in 2011 because of the political conditions in the Arabian and North African countries. 

The Academy Programme for Men’s and Women’s Artistic Gymnastics has been supplemented this year with a comprehensive Age Group Development, Competition and Testing Programme that was introduced to 17 countries in 2011 to which will be added as many as 25 more during 2012.

The continuing support of the FIG President and Executive Committee has made this unique and extraordinary educational effort possible and has certainly already had a positive impact around the world. Thanks go also to the thirty-nine federations that have permitted the use of over 170 of their experts to teach at these many Academies and courses.”

Check out the detailed summary of completed and planned Academies here!

For more information, statistics, reviews and photo galleries of the FIG Academy Programme, visit the “Education” section on the FIG website.

51st International Gym Festival “Blume – Gran Canaria”
Gran Canaria (ESP), November 24 – December 2, 2011

LAUSANNE (SUI), FIG Office, December 6, 2011: The island of Gran Canaria celebrated the 51st International Gym Festival “Blume – Gran Canaria”, November 24 - December 2, 2011, splashing colour and spreading the joy of gymnastics through 34 Sports Festivals in six municipalities of Gran Canaria: Arucas, Ingenio, Las Palmas of Grand Canary, Mogán, San Bartolomé of Tirajana and Telde.

The international event was presented at two important Gymnastics for All festivals in 2011: the GymFest in Stuttgart (GER), where three teams participated from the Canary Islands, and the 14th World Gymnaestrada in Lausanne (SUI), with the participation of two Canary Islands teams.

The 51st edition brought together more than 5,200 sportsmen and women from 192 local and 40 international groups. More than 720 participants hailed from twelve different European countries to be part of the festival. All islands forming the Canary Archipel participated in this year’s event, with the exception of El Hierro, affected by a submarine volcano eruption in November.

For more information on the event go to www.blume-grancanaria.org.

GfA Colloquium
Cape Town (RSA), November 24 – 26, 2011

LAUSANNE (SUI), FIG Office, December 1, 2011: The South African Gymnastics Federation (SAGF) successfully hosted a FIG Gymnastics for All Colloquium in Cape Town (RSA) from November 24 - 26, 2011. Attendees at the Colloquium were international 'Gym for All' ambassadors, FIG GfA Committee members and delegates of the 2nd World Gym For Life Challenge Organising Committee, who were most excited and impressed with activities undertaken during the Colloquium.

A taste of South African culture infused with ‘Gymnastics for All’ discussions was the order of the Colloquium, which has led to great enthusiasm and anticipation by all for the upcoming World Gym for Life Challenge, to be held in Cape Town in July 2013.

The FIG Colloquium spanned from countries both near and far. Participating ambassadors came from countries such as Switzerland, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Great Britain, Lithuania, Austria, Uzbekistan, Estonia, Malaysia, Japan, Algeria, Iran, Israel, Egypt, Mozambique, South Africa, Canada, Australia, and USA.

The Colloquium consisted of an official welcoming ceremony, which was held on Wednesday November 23 at the Athlone Stadium in Cape Town. This ceremonial function, hosted by SAGF and The City of Cape Town, was attended by Councillors from various districts of City of Cape, including Mayoral Committee Member, Councillor Tandeka Gqada herself.

In addition to ‘Gym for All’ discussions, ambassadors also had the opportunity to partake in site visits of the potential venues to be used in 2013, such as the Cape Town International Convention Centre (event venue), University of Cape Town (accommodation) and the Canal Walk Shopping Centre (demonstrations). Also, in their spare time, ambassadors had an opportunity to enjoy the wonderful sites of Cape Town, such as the V&A Waterfront, Cape Point, Stellenbosch Winelands, etc.

The Colloquium was a great success, with ambassadors very impressed by the city and its facilities. As ambassadors for the World Gym for Life Challenge 2013, they now look forward to spreading the word in their respective countries and are eager to return and bring their country participants to Cape Town in 2013.

The hosting of a successful FIG Colloquium has given SAGF and the City of Cape Town the opportunity to prove to the international gymnastics community that indeed, “Cape Town is ready for you!”

(source: SAGF)

2nd World Gym for Life Challenge
Cape Town (RSA), July 10 – 14, 2013

CAPE TOWN (RSA) – LAUSANNE (SUI), FIG Office, November 25, 2011: The community of Langa (RSA) hosted delegates from the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) at a special function that showcased a community programme currently being run at the Monwabisi Community Centre.

Presentation of the Gym for Life Community Development Programme was held on Tuesday, November 22, 2011, at the Monwabisi Sport and Recreation Centre. This programme is the intended legacy project of the World Gym for Life Challenge 2013, which will be held in Cape Town in July 2013. All core topics were discussed during the meeting, and the city, jointly with the NOC and RSA, seemed well prepared to handle the entire preparation and organisation process.

The South African Gymnastics Federation (SAGF), in partnership with the City of Cape Town, embarked on this community programme in May 2011, where six mentors were identified by SAGF and up skilled with coaching, basic administration and leadership training. These mentors then used their newly acquired techniques to further train local volunteers and play leaders in six districts throughout Cape Town. Volunteers were then tasked to coach four gymnastics disciplines, namely Aerobics, Rope Skipping, Rhythmic Gymnastics and Gym for All, at their local community centres.

Tuesday’s function in Langa was held specifically for the public, FIG Gymnastics for All Committee Members and FIG Deputy Secretary General, Nicolas Buompane, who are currently in Cape Town for an FIG Colloquium. A display was put on by the newly trained pre-schoolers, who were very enthusiastic and exuded natural talent. They were also a shining example of well-trained, orderly and well-disciplined children, attributes which gymnastics instils in children. The conference will welcome participants from twenty-two countries and four continents to promote the non-professional practice of gymnastics, which is central to the FIG and the bedrock of its philosophical manifesto.

As per FIG ‘Gym for All’ Committee President Margaret Sikkens-Ahlquist (SWE), “I am very impressed with the children and the display put on today. This is an excellent example of how FIG would like to develop gymnastics, not only in communities in South Africa, but around the world. Seeing these young children performing brought tears to my eyes. We look forward to bringing international guests over to Cape Town come 2013”.

Addressing the pre-schoolers directly, Sikkens-Ahlquist went on to say, “Thank you very much for all your hard work; you all possesses the potential to be a top gymnast one day”.

(source: SAGF)

GfA Colloquium
Cape Town (RSA), November 24 – 26, 2011

CAPE TOWN (RSA) – LAUSANNE (SUI), FIG Office, November 24, 2011: The City of Cape Town and the South African Gymnastics Federation (SAGF) welcomed leaders in international gymnastics for the Fédération Internationale de Gymnastique (FIG) Colloquium that brings together thirty-six delegates from twenty-two different countries on November 24 – 26, 2011.

With a focus on Gymnastics for All, the Colloquium will be a time to discuss the World Gym for Life Challenge 2013, slated for Cape Town in July 2013. Upon winning the bid to host the international event in May 2010, and with SAGF and the City of Cape Town being awarded official rights by FIG, a Gym for Life Local Organising Committee was selected and tasked with the planning of this event. This will be the first time an international mass participation gymnastics event will be hosted outside of Europe. The 2013 event is expected to attract approximately 5,000 participants, an estimated half of which are international.  

“We will be welcoming the world to Cape Town once more in 2013 , further proving that Cape Town has the capacity to host world class sporting event  and that it is the destination of choice for international competitions,” says Councillor Tandeka Gqada, Mayoral Committee Member, Community Services.

Delegates and FIG Gymnastics for All Committee members attending the Colloquium will also inspect the facilities to be used in 2013. All core topics were discussed during the meeting, and the city, jointly with the NOC and RSA, seemed well prepared to handle the entire preparation and organisation process.

In anticipation of the delegates’ visit, CEO of South African Gymnastics Elizabeth Cameron Smith said, ‘We are fortunate to have these delegates visit Cape Town and are excited to showcase what Cape Town has to offer. We hope they will communicate to their countrymen that Cape Town is ready to welcome them in 2013.’

(source: SAGF Media Office)
 

A role model for Giraldo!

(by Ludovic Hubler, Head of Programme & Field Operations P&S)

The Peace & Sport Organization and the FIG launched on November 11 the programme “Gimnasia por la Paz” (Gymnastics for Peace) in Bogota (COL), a program using gymnastics to support women’s empowerment and social integration and prevent juvenile delinquency.

This  first FIG-Peace and Sport project “Gimnasia por la Paz” went very well.

Over 150 kids coming from the slums of Bogota were gathered inside the premises of the “Fundacion San Antonio”, one of our NGO partners taking part in the project (4 NGOs are overall taking part in the project).

New champion for Peace Jorge Hugo Giraldo Lopez was present as planned and played his “role-model” role in a magnificent way.

He first talked to the kids explaining his background growing up in the slums of Medellin and working hard to become one of the best Gymnast in the world. He also showed the 3 silver medals he won at the recent Panamerican games in Guadalajara (MEX), explaining how much work was necessary, starting from 8 years old ! Kids loved to touch the medals and getting autographs and photos with him. Jorge Hugo also made an exhibition showing how talented he is.

A very humble man with lots of qualities, a very good ambassador for FIG and Peace and Sport !

This project can now play the role of a “pilot project” for the National Federation who can use this experience to develop a national strategy putting Gymnastics at the service of peace cooperating with NGOs/Youth Centres situated in vulnerable zones.

As planned, some 3-4 minutes movies will be made soon for promotion that could help also to find future common partners for future common projects.

Other inaugurations will happen in other centers within the next few days in Cali and Guapi.

Peace and Sport is very happy of this new cooperation with FIG to use and promote Gymnastics as a tool for peace education and social integration of the most vulnerable. The experts have been appreciated by all involved stakeholders.

FIG Executive Committee Official News.

Lausanne FIG Office (SUI),  6-8 November 2011

·         The federations of Seychelles (SEY) and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (PRK) are suspended; the former for failing to meet its financial obligations, and the latter as the result of a disciplinary breach. Conversely, the federations of CYP, INA, JAM, KAZ, MKD, PAR, POL, SYR, TJK and YEM have normalised their positions; however, in accordance with FIG Statutes, they are prevented from submitting proposals or proposing candidates at the next FIG Congress.

·         Hidenori Futagi, President of the Japanese Gymnastics Association, has been put forward to the International Fair Play Committee as a candidate for the 2011 Willy Daume World Trophy.

·         In artistic gymnastics, Russian gymnast Andrey Lihovitskiy will henceforth represent Belarus. Robert Kriangkum, a former citizen of Canada, will henceforth compete for Thailand. Jessica Dowling, who is originally from Canada, has been granted a Dutch passport. In rhythmic gymnastics, Kseniya Moustafaeva, formerly of Belarus, will now represent France. Meanwhile, the judge Jadranka Atanaskovic, formerly of Serbia, will henceforth serve as a USA official.

·          The price of all FIG licences has been set at a single rate of CHF 30.00.

·         In the absence of any medical recommendation to the contrary, all use of syringes 24 hours before or after a competition is henceforth banned.

·         The Executive Committee has appointed Wolfgang William (GER), President of the FIG Competitions Commission, as delegate responsible for supervising World Cup events.

·         The Executive Committee duly recognises the re-election of Zobeira Hernandez Delgado (VEN) to the presidency of the Pan-American Gymnastics Union (PAGU) and extends to her its congratulations.

·         The following World Cup events have been approved by the Executive Committee:

o   TRA/TUM: Sofia (BUL), 12-13 October 2012 ;

o   AER: Azores (POR), 18-20 May 2012 ;

o   ACRO: Veliky Novgorod (RUS), 9 September 2012.

·         Bulgaria has declared itself a candidate to stage the 2012 Aerobic Gymnastics World Championships in its capital city, Sofia.

·         The 2013 Trampoline Gymnastics World Championships, which have been awarded to Bulgaria, will now take place in Sofia instead of Varna. 

·         Olympic test events in London, starting in January 2012: for the artistic gymnastics, the FIG Executive Committee has confirmed the participation of eight teams, and 41 GAM and GAF athletes in the artistic gymnastics event.

• The list of gymnasts qualifying for the trampoline event will be confirmed following the World Championships in Birmingham (GBR) on 17-20 November 2011. 

The next session of the FIG Executive Committee is scheduled to take place in Lausanne (SUI) / FIG Office, on 20-24 February 2012.

LAUSANNE (SUI), FIG Office, November 10, 2011: On November 11, Colombian gymnastics champion, Pan American Silver medallist in the All-around competition and Champion for Peace Jorge Hugo Giraldo will launch “GIMNASIA POR LA PAZ” (Gymnastics for Peace) in Bogota, a program using gymnastics to support women’s empowerment and social integration and prevent juvenile delinquency.

This program was initiated by “Peace and Sport, L’Organisation pour la Paix par le Sport” along with the International Federation of Gymnastics (FIG), in collaboration with Ecopetrol, the Colombian Gymnastics Federation and 4 local Non-Governmental Organizations (Colombianitos, FFUNDAMOR, Creo En Mi and the Foundation San Antonio).

Ms Cecilia Sabogal, President of the Colombian Gymnastics Federation said: “We are proud of Jorge Giraldo, who is a symbol for Gymnastics in Colombia, and his involvement in the project Gimnasia por la Paz. As a role model for the younger generation he really adds value to this important programme that focuses on social reconstruction in our country with Gymnastics as a tool.”

Social stability through gymnastics

For a minimum of 3 years, “GIMNASIA POR LA PAZ” will support efforts to eradicate a growing sense of insecurity and delinquency plaguing local youth in volatile slum areas of 4 Colombian cities: Bogota, Medellin, Cali and Guapi. The intrinsic values of gymnastics (perseverance, discipline, self-surpassing, creativity) will help to improve the emotional stability of young Colombians, to encourage social integration and to foster a culture of peace.

The program will equip vulnerable young girls and boys from 8 to 14 years old with the guidelines and values to lead a better life. It is also designed to improve the social integration and empowerment of women in the challenging and sometimes dangerous environment in which they live.

Gymnastics for All

From November 5 – 10, 2011, in the run up to the official launch of “GIMNASIA POR LA PAZ”, 27 local sports educators (12 from the program’s 4 partner NGOs and 15 from the Colombian Gymnastics Federation) will be coached in basic gymnastics and they will learn the “Gymnastics for All” methodology. They can subsequently pass on their knowledge and develop gymnastics in their own communities with almost no equipment or facilities, using only local, inexpensive resources, or even waste products such as benches, chairs, tyres, etc.

Partnership

Peace and Sport and FIG signed a partnership in 2010 to pioneer activities that can be practiced by a wide number of people without discrimination, in order to develop gymnastics in all types of cultural, economic and social environments, including the most underprivileged, while promoting reconciliation, dialogue and stability social in the most fragile countries.

The “GIMNASIA POR LA PAZ” program is the first real fruit of this partnership. Both organizations are pooling human resources, finances and expertise in pursuit of a common goal: to harness the power of sport as a vehicle for sustainable world peace.

View the full press release here!

WADA Play True on line

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has enhanced the electronic platform of its Play True magazine.

The electronic magazine will supplement the current WADA website by providing additional insight into the Agency’s day-to-day activities and developments within the anti-doping community worldwide.

“The electronic version of Play True is another important step for WADA’s overall communications strategy and gives the Agency – and its stakeholders - another platform on which to deliver its anti-doping message,” said WADA Director General David Howman.

“The fight against doping in sport is a constant challenge and this new Play True will enhance WADA’s ability to communicate with the anti-doping community and create a forum to facilitate debate around an issue that continues to threaten sport.”

As well as regular news item, the electronic Play True will include features on anti-doping and profiles of individuals, experts and athletes involved in the fight against doping in sport.

It will also include editorials and messages from WADA President John Fahey and WADA Director General David Howman.

WADA stakeholders will also have the opportunity to submit content and use it as a portal for anti-doping issues which they want to highlight.wada

The President re-elected.

(from Steve Butcher in Guadalajara)

Guadalajara (MEX) - Lausanne (SUI) / FIG Office, October 25, 2011: The Pan American Gymnastics Union (PAGU) held their Congress and elections for the cycle on October 18-19 in Guadalajara, Mexico.  These elections are held every four years and coincide with the Pan American Games.  Current PAGU president Zobeira Hernandez was re-elected for a second term in a closely contested election. 

In Photo (in order, left to right): Trampoline Gymnastics TC president: Stéphan Duchesne (CAN); Rhythmic Gymnastics TC president: Paula Gergo (ARG); Gymnastics for All TC president: Carmen Gómez Alcalá (MEX); Women’s Artistic Gymnastics TC President: Naomi Valenzo (MEX); PAGU President: Zobeira Hernández (VEN); Men’s Artistic Gymnastics TC President- Jaime Corredor (COL);

All new positions for 2011-2015 will take effect after the Pan American Games competition, October 24-28, also in Guadalajara.  FIG Vice-President Slava Corn (CAN) was also present at the Congress to assist in all aspects of the proceedings.

Several important topics were discussed at the Congress, including the sites of future events and specific regulations relative to PAGU competitions.  One important decision was the change in the team size for the 2015 Pan American Games from 6 gymnasts to 5 gymnasts, based on the current quota of athletes.  This will allow for the participation of individuals from more federations.SBU.

TORONTO (CAN) – LAUSANNE (SUI), FIG Office, September 15, 2011: On Thursday, September 8, 2011, in Toronto (CAN), Jan Waldauf, a remarkable member of the Sokol gymnastic movement, and a truly remarkable human being, died - at the age of 82.

Jan Waldauf, was born April 8,1929 in Nové Hrady and was one of the youngest refugees to come to Canada in 1949.  His professional career was with Dunwoody and Company and  he retired form Mitusi Canada as their Vice President. He disliked pomp and ceremony but his contribution to the development of gymnastics in Canada and the Sokol Movement Abroad  is recognized by everyone.  This was his passion.

He inherited this dedication for Sokol from his father and was already organising Sokol Festivals in Czechoslovakia and continued this with a great energy for Sokol Canada and for Sokol Abroad. He devoted time to the Canadian gymnastics community  and was President of Gymnastics Ontario from 1969-75. It is most regrettable that  after the fall of communism in Czechoslovakia, he was not able to integrate Sokol Abroad into the  Czech Sokol Organisation and play a leading role. He fought so hard to keep that flame alive for over 40 years.

Josef Cermak, a close friend remembers, “His toughest fight, was for his life.  The cancer diagnosis was not good news. He told me, he accepted that he cannot win this fight. He said it as calmly as if he was talking about the weather. Only his eyes lost some of their spark. “His dedication to the Sokol ideals of "a sound mind in a sound body" went beyond responsibility, it was real.

Jan was a gentle, peaceful man, who avoided argument at all cost. He was the epitome of the Sokol Movement. He really did "walk the talk". His integrity, belief in human rights and freedoms and overall respect for people was incredible. He was the kind of leader we all want to be, inspiring, totally committed, kind, compassionate yet strong. Sokol in Canada and Abroad has lost an icon and we have all lost a great friend.

Jan was a dedicated family man and our condolences and thoughts are with his wife Vlasta, also a very hard working Sokol member and daughters Eva and Mila.

by Josef Cermak and Slava Corn

N° 52 - Lausanne (SUI), August 2011  BGR/phs/az

Socialisation through sport

The magic of Lausanne’s World Gymnaestrada produced epic moments that neither participant nor spectator is soon to forget. For a full week we were captivated by what gymnastics considers its most precious commodity: the men and women who make up the historical bedrock of the FIG; the very foundation of our pyramid.

I have had previous opportunities to speak on the philosophy held by our founder Nicolas Cupérus, a man who resisted all form of individualistic competition. And though Man is at the centre of his concept, it is important that we understand that his is a humanistic view and not a perpetual quest for better performance.

Sport unites people. It brings them together in a stadium, an ice rink, in a gymnastics hall – all places where we come to share in an expression of passion or sheer entertainment. But sport can also divide, and when that happens the outcome can be treacherous. Sport can exacerbate ego- and ethno-centricity; it can turn men against men; at times it can kill.

What is important to keep in mind is that competitive activity has been known to stray from its original ideal, which ultimately contributes to certain aberrations in sport, such as doping and violence. And that’s not all. Idleness, precariousness and greed begin to play a major role, often giving rise to conflict. In the tradition of Karl Marx and his concept of religion, sport is the new opium. Fortunately, I am proud to say that such extreme situations are unknown in the world of competitive gymnastics.

But what makes me the most proud is being able to offer a unique sporting activity to our gymnasts and fans that is both playful and physically demanding, but which forgoes man’s natural impulse to win. The Gymnaestrada not only brings people together, it unites humanity as a whole.

Gymnastics for All, our discipline par excellence, is an important factor in the socialisation of a community, and it is our calling to cultivate and export it.

Lausanne is the Olympic capital of the world, the very birthplace of the Movement, and the city has armed itself with everything needed by a leading sport. For an entire week, the FIG and its gymnasts spread good cheer, joie de vivre and a spirit of tolerance throughout the city. Urbi and orbi.

It is up to us to prolong and cultivate the “Gymnastic” truce until the day that Helsinki picks up the baton in 2015.

With my compliments.

FEDERATION INTERNATIONALE DE GYMNASTIQUE
Prof Bruno Grandi, President

130th Anniversary of the FIG

Tribute to a founding father

Antwerp (BEL) and Lausanne (SUI) / FIG Office, July 23, 2011: Precisely 130 years ago on July 23, 1881, a convention was signed in Antwerp (BEL) establishing the European Gymnastics Union, today known as the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG).

The founding charter of the FIG was signed by representatives from Belgium, France and Holland; but it was Nicolas J. Cupérus of Belgium who was the association’s architect and original president.

To commemorate the event, the Royal Belgian Gymnastics Federation decorated the Cupérus monument with floral arrangements, a sculpture which was inaugurated on August 16, 1930 and which still stands in Antwerp’s Nachtegalenpark.

Participating in the ceremony were Paul Swinnen, former President of the Royal Gymnastics Federation, Ludo Van Campenhout, member of the Antwerp City Council, Jacqueline Herbrand, Co-President of the Royal Federation, Marc Schoenmaekers, member of the FIG Disciplinary Commission and Gilbert Vercammen, Co-President of the Royal Federation.

The FIG recently handed organisation of the 44th Artistic Gymnastics World Championships to Belgium and the City of Antwerp; the event is scheduled for 2013.