Happy Gymnastics

British Gymnastics GMPD members visit to Frankfurt.

12. Juni 2009  
Frankfurt, Germany  
Happy Gymnastics

British Gymnastics GMPD members visit to Frankfurt.

Hazel COATES, Dr. Flavio BESSI

Two members for the British Gymnastics Technical Committee (GMPD: Gymnastics and Movement for People with Disabilities) visited Frankfurt as part of their publicity campaign to advertise the British disabilities National Squads training camp at Kienbaum in November.
The visit had been coordinated by Eckhard Herholz, Managing Director of the European Gymnastic Service "GYMmedia INTERNATIONAL" for both Hazel Coates and Jeremy Eddon to meet with many of the coaches and tutors that were attending the "International German Turnfest" held in Frankfurt at the beginning of June, as well as attend many of the demonstrations and activities.
The British delegation arrived for their short visit on the 3rd June, staying at a hotel close to the centre of activities, and within easy walking distance of the exhibition halls hosting the whole festival.
After arriving at the hotel we walked to the festival site to collect our accreditation and attend a lecture and demonstration presented by Dr. Flavio Bessi from Germany - also a gymnastics teacher, working worldwide for the FIG Gymnastics Academy.
This was a fascinating lecture and we were both grateful that we did not have to do any of the exercises along with the other coaches present!!!!
Following this lecture we were able to have a long conversation with Flavio where we discussed our proposals for the training camp in November.

... a lot of interest in Germany!
He agreed that there should be a lot of interest in Germany for such an event and made several suggestions on how to further advertise the event through his own contacts.
It was also suggested that we look at the possibility of finding local accommodation of the delegates as the accommodation facilities at Kiennbaum are limited.

The following morning we had arranged to meet with Dr. Gudrun Paul – one of the top festival organiser – but this had to be a short introduction and welcome to the festival as she was very busy with organising various activities.
We were able, however, to meet with a member of the press where we gave full details of the work that GMPD has done in South Africa and Gran Canaria over the last two years and why we, at British Gymnastics, thought that it was important to concentrate in following up this work in Europe, particularly such a central European venue in Germany and fantastic facilities offered by the Kienbaum Gymnastics Centre.
During the afternoon and following morning we were able to attend other displays and workshops and visit the trade fair. 

Jeremy Eddon, Hazel Coates

British ambassadors of very good British ideas...!

The facilities in which the Frankfurt Turnfest was held in and around the various buildings in the centre of Frankfurt were absolutely incredible.
The lectures, tutorials and demonstrations covered a very wide range of sports equipment and activities and ran efficiently and smoothly throughout the time we were able to attend in our short visit.
Both Hazel and I were also able to watch the Aerobics Championships and talk to several of the coaches and spectators at that competition venue.
An excellent festival – well worth visiting and very useful for our mission for the future visit to Berlin in 2009 November.

* Reported by Jeremy EDDON, GBR, TC GMPD

Visit to Berlin by Representatives of British Gymnastics...

19. Februar 2009  
Kienbaum, Berlin  
Happy Gymnastics

Visit to Berlin by Representatives of British Gymnastics...

Jeremy Eddon, Hazel Coates
and Klaus-Peter Nowak

 ... and Movement for People with Disabilities
GMPD Chair, Hazel Coates and Technical Committee member, Jeremy Eddon (both from British Gymnastics) visited Berlin this week to explore the possibility of promoting the British Gymnastics programme for people with disabilities (GMPD) throughout central Europe.  Mr. Klaus-Peter Nowak, Managing Director of the German Sports Centre welcomed them to Kienbaum and, after discussing the programme gave them a tour of the facility.
Mrs. Coates said: “We visited the training gym, sports halls, swimming pool, sauna and medical facilities as well as the conference rooms, restaurant and residential accommodation. ...

Top and world class conditions for British disabled sportsmen!
The German Gymnastics Federation (DTB) gives all its support and is willing to give permission for British disabled sportsmen to use the same conditions as the German top stars of artistic gymnastics!

German National Coach of AG men's team Andreas HIRSCH (left) talking with Jeremy EDDON and Hazel COATES.

" ... first Class for British Gymnastics in Kienbaum!"
Hazel COATES: "These were all first class, and I would be very keen to bring our gymnasts for a training camp and International workshop later in the year. I would like to bring 24 gymnasts with a wide range of disabilities from Britain, split evenly between men’s and women’s artistic gymnastics, rhythmic gymnastics and trampolining."
... and a European wide invitation for interested partners!
" I would love to be in a position to invite interested coaches and their gymnasts from throughout Europe to join and work with us to develop their own skills in coaching disabled performers.”
The British vision is to develop gymnastics for people with disabilities throughout Europe, raising skills to a level that would promote competitive opportunities both nationally and internationally..
<< "Global Thinking ...!"

The target of the British – who will organise the Gymnastics World Championships in London this year and are also the hosts of the Olympic Games in 2012 – is to make their programme international.
This programme is based on the basic principles of training and the assessment criteria of the World Gymnastics Federation (FIG).

It offers performance-oriented contents that are astoundingly similar to those for non-handicapped participants at all levels of gymnastics and acrobatics. The possibility of the future inclusion of appropriate competitions in the programmes of the “Special Olympics” or the “Paralympics” is not ruled out ...
... big ideas - most of which are new for Germany or other countries!

Jeremy EDDON and Hazel COATES explaining their ideas

Meeting and Discussion with German Experts
Today, February 19 the British delegation met with top representatives of the council of the German Gymnastics Federation (DTB) and with "Special Olympics Germany" (SOD) in the office of the German media production company "HEARTS-AND-MINDS", the new TV station, which will produce the upcoming World Cup in Artistic Gymnastics, the "Tournament of Masters" in Cottbus next month.

<< The British guests informed the German staff about the national programmes of training and competitions for disabled sportspeople and about their ideas for transferring such ideas and structures to international levels.

British coach Hazel COATES (right) in discussion with the Council member of DTB and President of Berlin's Gymnastics Federation, Mr. Frank EBEL (2.nd from left) and Mr. Wolfgang Schiemann from 'Special Olympics Germany'.

Olympic ChampionValeri Belenki (Mitte):
' ... what a wonderful project, I think the German federation will support it!!'

A Europe-wide invitation for cooperation!
“I would like as many interested coaches, trainers and gymnasts in other countries as possible to adopt our experiences so that we could use these together to work on the endless possibilities of gymnastics for people with disabilities of any kind”, says Hazel Coates from Ireland.

Hazel Coates works not only as a physiotherapist but also has 20 years of experience in coaching handicapped gymnasts which has led “British Gymnastics” to become the leader in their field.
The British system is cleverly based on the principles of training and assessment criteria of the gymnastics world federation (FIG). It offers performance oriented contents…which are astoundingly close to those for non-handicapped participants in gymnastics and acrobatics.

The future inclusion of appropriate competitions in the programmes of the “Special Olympics” or the “Paralympics” has not been ruled out!

The German Gymnastics Federation DTB signalised already before the meeting - through president Rainer Brechtgen, through vice president Sport Sibylle Richter and through the department head of Sports/general gymnastics Pia Pauly - their great interest and their willingness to cooperate.
Also sports director Wolfgang Willam spontaneously agreed on the use of Kienbaum for a training camp by the British after appropriate scheduling.
The camp is to take place in November. British Gymnastics , which has also been cultivating close cooperational ties with the youth for the past 20 years – British talents will be taking part in the  "International Junior Team Cup 2009"  next week in Berlin – will contact the Presidents of the DTB to seek support.

Real Olympic Partnership:
The British guests, hosts of the 2012 Olympic Summer Games, Jeremy Eddon and Hazel Coates in front of an Olympic board at the training camp in Kienbaum.

The "European Gymnastic Service GYMmedia INTERNATIONAL"  as an initiator of this British visit to Berlin and observer of the last  training camp in December 2008 in Gran Canaria, will do its best to promote and organise all the stages of these great British ideas.
... there is also special interest on the part of a German TV channel to report from the forthcoming training camp at Kienbaum in November.
** Report: Eckhard Herholz
(c) GYMmedia INTERNATIONAL

German Cities Confirm World Games Withdrawal

10. Dezember 2008  
Duisburg, Germany  
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German Cities Confirm World Games Withdrawal

World Games in Duesseldorf only...?

The German cities of Duisburg and Duesseldorf have confirmed their withdrawal as co-hosts of the 2013 World Games.
The joint-decision - which has been sparked by “Duisburg’s aggravated financial problems” - has left International World Games Association (IWGA) president Ron Froehlich on the look-out for a new host. In a statement, the IWGA said that Froehlich would work alongside the Association’s executive board and TSE Consulting to determine a course of action for 2013. Duisburg hosted the last edition of the event in 2005, and Kaohsiung in Chinese Taipei will stage the next World Games in 2009.

World Games 2005, Rhythmic Gymnastics

Duisburg -  host of the World Games 2005 already - and Dusseldorf secured the hosting rights to the multi-sport event back in February, but Duisburg City Council has now voted to step away from the Games.
“That the global financial crisis would not spare sports and major events had to be expected,” said a disappointed Froehlich.
“Nonetheless, The World Games remain a viable proposition for a host city due to their very nature. New infrastructure is never required to stage the competitions in our sports; cost-effectiveness remains the guiding principle for the whole event.”

Jesus Telo Nuñez, the legendary Organizer of Blume Festival passed away...

05. November 2008  
Las Palmas, Gran Canaria  
Happy Gymnastics

Jesus Telo Nuñez, the legendary Organizer of Blume Festival passed away...

Jesus Telo Nuñez
01.06.1926 - 02.11.2008

Sunday, November 2 the "Canary Father of Gymnastics", ond longtime organizer of sport and gymnastics, " Jesus Telo Nuñez, died at the age of 82 years in his hometown Las Palmas, the capital of Gran Canaria.
Together with all of his thousands of friends in his native land also many generations of guests and participants from all over the world, visiting the unite and symphatically "Festival with Hearts", the "BLUME GRAN CANARIA" in the last half century are in mourning about this big loss...
The longtime director of the Canary Club "Gimnasio Las Palmas", was a leading character not only in Spanish or Canarian sports, but also with an international radiation! The European Gymnastics Union (UEG) appreciates the personality of Jesus Telo Nuñez,with the following necrology ...:

happier

Jesus Telo Nuñez:... at the very last time the big organizer closed 'his' Festival with Hearts' in 2007
* photo: GYMmedia

N E C R O L O G Y
- by the European Gymnastics Union (UEG)

Jesus Telo Nuñez, founder and organizer of the "Blume Festival Gran Canaria" and president of the Organizing Committee of the UEG “Golden Age Gym Festival" was carried away by illness at the age of 82 years in Las Palmas, Canary Islands.
Jesus Telo Nuñez  can undoubtedly be described as the greatest sportsman of Las Palmas;  he introduced many sport disciplines on the Canary Islands, founded the first gym club in Las Palmas and built the first gym hall that now bears his name.
Above all, he was the initiator of the General Gymnastics movement – which is very popular on the Canary Islands.

Jesus Telo Nuñez  is also known as the father of the "Blume Festival”, whose first edition was held in 1960 in memory of the gymnast Joaquim Blume, who died in a plane crash in Spain with three of his fellow gymnasts.

Jesus Telo Nu?ez (middle), in happier days with his wife and his son Telo Jesús Rodríguez, successor of his fathers achievements. * photo: ueg

A few years ago, this career soldier has been awarded the title of Doctor Honoris Causa by the University of Las Palmas in recognition of his enormous merits in terms of sport and education.

Father of three children, his entire family was closely involved in his sports activities, especially in the "Blume Festival."

Telo Jesús Rodríguez, one of his two sons, became honorary member of the UEG after 8 years of membership in the General Gymnastics Committee.

The Telo family was very much involved in the test edition of the "Golden Age Gym Festival” which was held in Maspalomas in 2005.
And it is in a few days only (November 20th) that the 1st official "Golden Age Festival" of the UEG will begin, without the presence of the organizing committee’s President, whose funeral takes place today, Tuesday November 4th.
It is with great emotion that the UEG authorities, the technical committee "Gymnastics for All" and its many friends have learned of this death. The UEG wishes to address its most sincere recognition and condolences to the family of Jesús Telo Nunez, in particular to his wife Sara and his three children Jesus, Sara and Manolo.
* Source: D. Duchoud, Press chief of UEG

Church 'Nuestra senora del Pino', Las Palmas'

** ... the Act of Burying and the prayer
will held Wednesday, November 5 , at 7.15  p.m., local time,
at the Las Palmas' Church "Nuestra senora del Pino" (Street Presidente alvear)....
* ... read more about Jesus Telo Nuñez on our German GYMmedia website
>> www.gymmedia.de , but also on
>> www.blume-grancanaria.org

 

WORLD GYMNAESTRADA - an International Event without Medals! - by Margareth Sikkens-Ahlqist, Sweden

03. November 2008  
Lausanne, Switzerland  
Happy Gymnastics

WORLD GYMNAESTRADA - an International Event without Medals! - by Margareth Sikkens-Ahlqist, Sweden

Margareth Sikkens-Ahlquist (FIG)

* f i g ---: Every fourth year the International Gymnastics Federation organises a World Gymnaestrada (WG).
The last one was held in 2007, in Dornbirn, Austria, participated by more than 21,000 gymnasts, representing 53 different nations...

The next Worldgymnaestrada 2011 will held in Lausanne, the Olympic and from 2008 on also the city of the F.I.G. headquarter, now.

The President of the Gymnastics For All Committee of the International Gymnastics Federation Margaret SIKKENS AHLQUIST wrotes ...


An International event without medals!

- by Margaret SIKKENS AHLQUIST (SWE),
* President of the Gymnastics For All Committee of the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG), Lausanne (SUI)
& Member of the IOC Sport For All Commission.
___________________________________________________

Margaret SIKKENS-AHLQUIST, 2007 in Dornbirn, with the maskot 'Rappy'

INTRODUCTION
Every fourth year the International Gymnastics Federation organises a World Gymnaestrada (WG).
This is done with the help of one of our member federations who acts as the host Organising committee (OC).
Five years before the event, the FIG Council decides where to stage the event, based on the bid applications received.
The first World Gymnaestrada was organised in 1953, in Rotterdam, Netherlands. Since then 13 events have been held and the next will take place in 2011, Lausanne, Switzerland.
In 1953, 5000 gymnasts, representing 14 federations attended and at the last WG, in 2007 Dornbirn, Austria, 21,158 gymnasts, representing 53 federations participated.
The World Gymnaestrada is an event where the participants perform group displays. There are no competitions and no medals; it is a cultural sports festival that is all about bringing together people from all corners of the world - regardless of their age, abilities or cultural background. Fun, fitness, learning and friendships are core values of the WG, not competition or awards and yet we still have more than 20,000 active participants.
M E T H O D S
The FIG’s Gymnastics for All committee is responsible for the event and work closely together with the OC through the entire process.
The WG is also an important development tool for the sport of Gymnastics. Ongoing studies are conducted and statistics are kept.
This allows the FIG to evaluate not only the number of countries participating but also provides valuable insights about the participants, in respect to age, gender and interests, along with the forms of gymnastics demonstrated and performance quality in terms of technical content. The quality and entertainment value of each performance is also rated. 

R E S U L T
 While the participation numbers of around 20,000 are very satisfying the FIG will continue to work to increase the number of countries involved in the World Gymnaestrada. The study results also guide the development of our educational frameworks and key projects implemented across the world. The studies will be continued and also expanded to evaluate the reasons behind participation in an event where no medals are possible, people must pay all costs themselves and where the majority of accommodation involves sleeping in school classrooms.

D I S C U S S I O N
The FIG provides opportunities for involvement at all levels. This includes International experiences for top level athletes at World Championships and Olympic Games but just as important are the people who participate in the sport for enjoyment, fitness and health and who attend events such as our World Gymnaestrada.
Gymnastics for All activities cater for all ages and not only form the base of all our competitive disciplines but also play an important contributing role to the well-being, fitness and health of all participants.
The World Gymnaestrada provides an opportunity for us to demonstrate the value of our sport.
The FIG will continue with this important World event and along with our new World Gym for Life Challenge will provide more participation opportunities in the future.

* Margaret SIKKENS AHLQUIST (SWE)

  FIG, Gymnastics for All Committee
* Source: FIG

PREVIEW: 48th BLUME GRAN CANARIA FESTIVAL with new Record ...

03. November 2008  
Las Palmas, Gran Canaria  
Happy Gymnastics

PREVIEW: 48th BLUME GRAN CANARIA FESTIVAL with new Record ...

2008, November 22 - 29

The Canary Islands (ESP) will see the 48th International Gymnastics for All Festival, the 2008 Blume Festival Gran Canaria, unfold once again on November 22 – 29, 2008.
Since its premier edition in 1960, held in memory of Spanish gymnast Joaquim Blume who was tragically killed in an airplane crash in 1959, the event has not ceased to expand ....
Today, it boasts record participation: 1,500 participants representing 86 countries...
* ... read more on >> www.blume-grancanaria.org

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7th European TeamGym Championships 2008

25. Oktober 2008  
Gent, Belgium  
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7th European TeamGym Championships 2008

The 7th edition of the TeamGym Championship helds from October 23rd to 26th 2008 in the Top Sport Hall in Gent, Belgium.

Nearly 700 athletes (51 teams) representing 15 countries will compete in the different competitions (participation record). ...
Former EuroGym - now: TeamGym Championships
____________________________________________
ueg informs ---: After Jyväskylä FIN, Odense DEN, Birmingham GBR, Chalons en Champagne FRA, Dornbirn AUS, Ostrava CZE, the UEG had entrusted in 2007 the organisation of the 7th TeamGym Championship to the Gymnastics Federation of Belgium, which ensures the preparation and running of this event together with the Flemish Gymnastics Federation and its president Rik Dombrecht.
TeamGym, formerly called Euroteam, became part of the UEG programme in 1996; its roots lie in the Scandinavian countries, where this discipline is well known for more than 20 years and is nearly a professional sport.
This implies that the gymnasts from Denmark, Sweden, Norway and Finland are the favourites.

7th TeamGYM Championships 2008
___________________________________

*... first Friday's Results:

> Qualification Mixed Teams
> Qualification Women's  Teams
> Qualification Men's Teams

*... the finals will held Saturday, October 25

The 6th EUROGYM in Albi is finished

19. Juli 2008  
Albi / France  
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The 6th EUROGYM in Albi is finished

With a great UEG-Gala the 6th EUROGYM in the historical City from Albi (France) finished yesterday.
Nearly 4.000 participants with 180 groups representing 22 countries took part one week in an opening ceremony with a parade trought the city, in workshops, excursions, two forums and many other city performances.
Largest delegantions: France with 721 and Portugal with 696 participants.
The EUROGYM is the greatest European festival for young gymnasts between 12 and 18 years with sport and entertainment in disciplins of gmynastics and acrobatics ....

>> The 7. EUROGYM will be held 2010 in Odense, Daemark.
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Hundreds turn out to promote fitness ...

07. Juli 2008  
Moscow / Russia  
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Hundreds turn out to promote fitness ...

Russian public fitness ideas...
(c) photo: Russia today

The Russian press reports, that around 200 teenagers have gathered in the centre of Moscow for morning exercise lst weekend.
The idea came from the "Mishki Youth Movement".
The goal of the event is to promote a healthy lifestyle among the young and support the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi. It was attended by members of the Russian parliament and former athletes including State Duma Deputy Speaker  and Olympic medallist gymnasts Alina Kabayeva and Svetlana Khorkina and Olympic champion skater, Svetlana Zhurova.
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Training Camp and Friendly Competition for Gymnasts with Disabilities

14. Februar 2008  
Great Britain  
Happy Gymnastics

Training Camp and Friendly Competition for Gymnasts with Disabilities

... Baga is seeking for special partnerships!

... what a terrific Idea!!!

British Gymnastics are seeking a European host nation and participants worldwide for a training camp and friendly competition for disabled gymnasts.

... the paralysed German former top gymnast, Ronny Ziesmer thinks:
'... what a terrific British idea!'

British Gymnastics are seeking a European host nation and participants worldwide for a training tamp and friendly competition for gymnasts with disabilities.

>> Ideally this event will take place in August 2008 with a suggested programme as follows:

* Monday: .... Arrival of Delegations

* Tuesday to Friday:
.... Training Camp and Coaching  Workshops

* Saturday:  .... Competition and Farewell Party

* Sunday: .... Departure of Delegations

>> Download the Details
It is the intention of British Gymnastics to cover the cost of venue and workshops.
Through such an event British Gymnastics are hoping to work in partnership to provide a unique opportunity for coaches and gymnasts to share knowledge and experience in the development of this discipline of gymnastics in a friendly atmosphere.

>> If you would be interested in hosting or participating in this event please contact:
Amy Walmsley (GMPD Programme Co-ordinator) on:
amy.walmsley@british-gymnastics.org.

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