FIG Foundations of Gymnastics Course
Cape Town (RSA), July 9 – 14, 2012

LAUSANNE (SUI), FIG Office, August 16, 2012: Twenty-eight participants from South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe and Mozambique attended a FIG Foundation Gymnastics Course at Eversdal Gymnastics Club in Cape Town (RSA), July 9 – 14, 2012.

Appearing at the opening reception were Mohamed Yamani (ALG), President of the African Gymnastics Union (UAG), Elizabeth Cameron Smith, and Tseko Mogotsi from the South African Gymnastics Federation (SAGF). Yamani and Monika Siskova (SVK), member of the FIG Gymnastics for All Committee, set the tone for the course with a warm welcome to all participants.

The truly diverse group of participants got along very well, worked hard together, laughed together, helped each other when needed, and commiserated when sore muscles no longer wanted to work.

The three facilitators, Monika Siskova, Fred Pivotti (GBR) and Mall Kalve (EST) succeeded fantastically in bringing to life the 4 F’s of Gymnastics for All (Fun, Fitness, Friendship, Fundamentals) in such a way that participants walked away from the course highly motivated and enthusiastic. Many participants have since reported back that they have been able to put the FUN back into their Gymnastics classes – and that their gymnasts are loving it.

The course concluded at the Athol Fugard Theatre in central Cape Town with participants and facilitators attending a performance of “Kat and the Kings”. The musical complimented the choreography and display work that had been covered earlier in the week, and was a fitting end to the course.