Celebrating Gymnastics Excellence and Inclusion with Down Syndrome World Champs

Gymnastics South Africa is proud to announce that the 2023 Down Syndrome International Gymnastics (DSIGO) World Championships will take place in Tshwane on September 23 and 24.

This will be the fourth edition of the event, which showcases the talents and abilities of gymnasts with Down Syndrome from around the world.

Gymnasts from six different countries will participate in the DSIGO World Championships, which will take place at the Matsport Centre in Eldoraigne. Host nation South Africa will compete against Italy, Mexico, Bulgaria, Argentina, and the USA. 

A distinctive aspect of the DSIGO Gymnastics World Championships is its emphasis on inclusion and empowerment. This competition features artistic gymnastics (male and female) and rhythmic gymnastics (female) events, each offering various levels of difficulty and unique judging criteria. Through this diverse array of disciplines, the competition aims to foster the inclusion and empowerment of individuals with Down Syndrome, championing their journey toward physical excellence. 

“All athletes, regardless of their abilities, deserve opportunities to shine and be celebrated,” says Allan Chadwick, Chair of the Local Organising Committee at Gymnastics South Africa. “The DSIGO Gymnastics World Championships encapsulate the spirit of determination, unity, and achievement. We are honoured to provide a platform for athletes with Down Syndrome to showcase their exceptional skills while promoting a message of inclusion that extends far beyond the competition.” 

Four times Special Olympics USA Gymnastics Champion and twice World Champion, Chelsea Werner from the USA will make a return to the DSIGO World Champs. Werner secured the gold medal in the Women’s Artistic All-Round competition in 2015.

Charles Phillips from South Africa will be looking to repeat his success from Germany two years ago where he won three silver and one gold apparatus medals, his strongest event being the parallel bars. The Men’s Artistic competition will once again see a strong team from Italy, who dominated the Championship in 2022. 

In the Women’s Artistic Gymnastics competition, Mexico’s Maria Barbara Wetzel Aguilar will look to retain her title in the All Round competition.

The Rhythmic competition newcomers Bulgaria are set to make a big impact and provide great competition for the teams of Italy and South Africa. 

The event is open to the public and entrance is free on both days. For more information and event schedules, visit www.gymnasticssa.co.za