A contingent from Malta is taking part in the World Gymneastrada for the first time. This is an FIG (International Gymnastics Governing Body) recognised event, which is taking place in Dorbirn, Austria from the 7th to the 13th of July of 2019, encompassing more than 60 nations and 20,000 participants. Gymnaestrada is the world's biggest gymnastics festival, where various countries will be showcasing their talent through a variety of gymnastics performances.
This is an event which will provide Malta with a great deal of international exposure. Thousands of spectators will be present during the opening and closing ceremonies, where the Maltese flag will be proudly displayed alongside the other countries'. The entire week will be aired on live TV throughout Austria. Additionally, multiple countries - such as Germany and Switzerland - will be travelling with large contingents, and will be bringing their own TV crew and journalists to share a live broadcast in their own countries. Therefore, Malta will not only be gaining exposure throughout Austria, but also on a worldwide scale.
Brochures will be distributed among the thousands of participants and spectators, wherein which all the participating countries will be given a due introduction to the public. Moreover, the Maltese contingent will be distributing multiple Maltese souvenirs and tokens among the other participants to support our country, as well as the Maltese performance. We will be promoting Malta throughout the entire week in the hopes of putting Malta on the map as a country of interest and one which houses a lot of talent and potential.
The Maltese Team is made up from Chun Gymnastics, consisting of 90 gymnasts (ages 7-18 years) and coaches who flew to Austria last Saturday to participate in the 16th World Gymnaestrada. This is the world's biggest gymnastics non-competitive festival organized once every 4 years by the FIG (International Gymnastics Governing Body). In Gymnaestrada participation is for everybody, regardless of gender, age, race, religion, culture, ability or social standing. This year's motto for the event is "Come together, Show Your Colours".
The event will take place in Dorbirn, Austria between the 7th to the 13th of July, encompassing more than 60 nations and 20,000 participants where various countries will be showcasing their talent through gymnastics performances.
This year is Malta's first time participating in the World Gymnaestrada, something which would not have been possible without the founder of our club, the late, Mr. Albert Ching Yin Chun. In May 2017, he attended the first Gymnaestrada meeting and returned with a lot of enthusiasm for Malta to participate in this event. He encouraged everyone to step out of their comfort zone and explore this new opportunity.
The Maltese Contingent will be part of the opening ceremony this afternoon at the Birkenweise Stadium in Dornbirn.
