Dornbirn (AUT) FIG Office, July 17, 2009: Midway through this premiere Gym for Life World Challenge, a sense of satisfaction can be seen on the faces of one and all, most noticeably the organisers'. It took these less than 18 months to get the show on the road and iron out every last detail. Things are running smoothing in Dornbirn. The Gymnastics for All Committee is as pleased as the smile on President Margaret Sikkens-Ahlquist's (SWE) face; she has begun reaping the fruit of a labour of love aimed at furthering this discipline. The harvest is plenty and oh so sweet! Laughter and smiles on either side as plans to improve and make adjustments for the next edition of this event begin to take shape.
The 32 observers present in Dornbirn couldn't help but notice the contest's flying success. There are likely to be several bids at the FIG Council in May 2010, when 44 members will attribute the 2013 Gym for Life World Challenge and the 2015 World Gymnaestrada to their respective host cities!
A few tears were had as well. Losing groups are inevitable, and certain gymnasts watched their dreams disappear into thin air. While some celebrate their Silver victory with champagne, others can't help but let the tears fall. Such is the law of sport. Cruel as it may sound, while injustice may be outlawed, someone's got to win.
Unwavering quality
On this second day of the contest, quality and diversity were served on a silver platter. Groups have worked hard to outdo one another, resulting in an incredible technical level, meticulous choreographies and astonishing execution. You'll never tire of watching the Norwegians of Fredrikstad, who put unimaginable time and effort into their routine! And as far as sheer energy is concerned, take in a session with the Funky Girls of the Slavia Trnava Gym Club (SVK); high-level aerobics and precise synchronisation. A unique performance was given by Uzbekistan's Sun of Asia group entitled the Zoroastrians, and a soul-stirring life lesson was humbly offered by the British group National Disabilities Display Team, illustrating that only through courage and abnegation can one overcome the trials of a disability. Hats off to these coaches, whose commitment deserves all the medals in the world. Standing ovation and overwhelming emotion. A high-quality, enthusiastic performance was also given by TSV Wellheilm (GER) in Dangerous Game, and Panikstaffel from Hofheim-Ried (GER) delivered a comical show that rocked the house.
These amateur gymnasts have made the FIG proud today. The 2,000 participants who made their way to Dornbirn are only a drop in the bucket compared to the millions worldwide. These are the guardians of a sport that is as invigorating as it is modern, positive, inspiring. The Gym for Life generation exudes well-being, good health, the ambition to take on the world and the vision to make it a better place.
A good lesson in optimism.
