SA’s top gymnasts on way to Helsinki

A TEAM of 16 gymnasts is jetting off to Helsinki, Finland, to participate in the World Gymnaestrada.

The international non-competitive display gymnastics event is held every four years, and attracts the largest number of active participants of any gymnastics event.

This year, more than 21 000 participants from 51 countries are expected to attend the week-long event.

The 16, from KwaZulu-Natal, are part of an 85-strong South African team, which includes gymnasts and officials from Gauteng, the Northern Cape and the North West.

They will perform three times over the course of the event, as well as performing during the South African afternoon – a one hour gymnastic show entitled “A Day in Africa”.

The gymnasts taking part range in age from 12 to 22 years. Heading the delegation is Caron Henry, from Glenwood Gymnastics Club.

She said: “The ethos of the Gymnaestrada to provide performance opportunities for all gymnasts, encourage friendship and collaboration… to promote the sport of gymnastics as a health and fitness option, and to highlight the role gymnastics plays in the fundamental physical development of all ages.”

SA team manager Robyn Baker, from Ocean Rhythmic Gymnastics, said: “I know the participants will be proud ambassadors of their province and country.”