Floors Gymnastics Club jets off to the Land of Samba

Established 19 years ago, the Floors Gymnastics Club first started training young gymnasts at the Floors North Primary School.

Practising on cement floors and the school’s lawns, the athletes looked past their challenges and focused on what they wanted to achieve. It turned out to be infectious; over time, more of the community’s children started to join, growing the club to where they are today.

And where does the club find itself today?

Well, on Wednesday morning this week, The Heights Restaurant & Bistro in Kimberley hosted the club for their departure breakfast. This comes after the club received an exciting invitation to attend the XI International ‘Gymnastics for All’ Forum in Campinas, Brazil.

Set to take place from October 17 to 20, 2024, this esteemed event gathers gymnastics professionals, educators, researchers, and teams from across the globe, and Floors Gymnastics Club will be among the special guests.

Floors Gymnastics Club's participation in this international forum will offer its members a valuable opportunity to showcase their talents and gain insights from the global gymnastics community. The experience will also provide the chance to engage with the ‘Gymnastics for All’ ethos and further their growth in the sport.

This is not only an honour for Floors Gymnastics Club but also a reflection of their dedication and passion for the sport, contributing to the growth of gymnastics on a global scale. Their participation will undoubtedly enhance their skills and inspire new friendships in the world of international gymnastics.

Unlike competitions, tournaments and events, ‘Gymnastics for All’ is a non-competitive branch of gymnastics that promotes inclusivity and the enjoyment of physical movement. It revolves around the five pillars of fun, fitness, fundamentals, friendship, and experiences that last a lifetime.

Founded by Belgian Nicolas Cuperus, the movement’s philosophy encourages participation without the pressure of competition, emphasising creativity, personal growth, and the joy of movement.

The highlights of Gymnastics for All are two key international events: the World Gymnaestrada and the World Gym for Life Challenge, both held every four years. These events focus on performance, celebrating the diverse range of skills within gymnastics, and welcoming participants of all ages and abilities.

The World Gymnaestrada, in particular, is renowned for its vibrant festival atmosphere, featuring creative performances, large group displays, and cultural presentations.

At the World Gymnaestrada, held every four years in a new host city, gymnasts of all levels, from beginners to advanced, come together for a week of performances and cultural exchanges. Each day, a different nation takes centre stage, showcasing gymnastics with a unique cultural flair.

The event culminates in the spectacular FIG Gala and Closing Ceremony, celebrating the diverse world of gymnastics.

Hosted by the State University of Campinas in collaboration with SESC (Social Service of Commerce) and supported by the International Sport and Culture Association, the forum is a significant platform aimed at advancing the field of gymnastics for all.

It offers an engaging programme of conferences, workshops, round tables, and performances that allow participants to exchange knowledge and experience in a wide variety of gymnastics-related fields.