BLUFF gymnast Anneliese Adams, has been selected to represent South African Gymnastics Federation (SAGF) as part of the South African team participating at the World Gymnaestrada taking place in Austria 6-13 July 2019.
The team comprises 151 participants who will participate with 19 000 other participants from 60 countries in this group performance event. The World Gymnaestrada takes place every four years.
Anneliese who is also a Holy Family College grade 9 learner, joined Glenwood Rhythmic gymnastics in 2016 and their dedicated and knowledgeable coaches have moulded her gymnastics abilities. Anneliese’s gymnastics journey started at the age of 12 and although she was older than the average girl in her group, her passion, dedication and determination enabled her to learn the complex gymnastics techniques.
The life of a gymnast is not an easy one as Anneliese trains for more than 10 hours per week. The promising gymnast has to manage her time effectively to ensure she meets her academic commitments as well. Her daily schedule includes going to school, attending gymnastics classes after school, dinner then homework and studying. In the little spare time that she has at home, she is constantly practicing every chance she gets.
Anneliesse shared that gymnastics allows her to express herself and what may seem like hard work to some is actually pure enjoyment to her, it is a platform for her to learn and grow not only in gymnastics but in all aspects of her life.
“I feel excited to be representing South Africa at this prestigious event. I can’t wait for the moment when I’m in the arena performing our routines. Training has been fun but a lot of hard work. Our team is amazing, and it has been a pleasure working with our coaches. We have had some stressful moments but as we learn and train, I can see that the end result is going to be amazing. I have made many new friends already and I am also looking forward to meeting people from other countries attending the event and getting a glimpse of their culture.
She added that she and the rest of her team members will learn some basic German before the trip to help them communicate with the locals in Austria as it is the main language spoken there. “At school as part of my history syllabus, we have been learning about Austria and Germany and I cannot believe I’m actually going to see these places myself. I am thankful for being given this opportunity and I hope that more children are given similar opportunities to showcase South Africa’s talent to the world,” she added.
Anneliesse is currently raising funds for the trip to Austria and is appealing to the Bluff public to assist with sponsorships. For more information call Nigel on 081-213-0296.
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