Bluff gymnasts to compete in Austria
The World Gymnaestrada is a world-wide, non-competitive FIG Gymnastics event held every four years.
THREE Bluff gymnasts will be jetting off to the World Gymnaestrada in Austria from 6-13 July 2019, where they are set to show off their skills on an international stage among the world’s best.
Gizelle van Ryneveld, Kerri Witcher and Anneliese Adams are three of 25 girls who have been selected for the KZN team for South African Gymnastics Federation team that will be attending the World Gymnaestrada. The World Gymnaestrada is a world-wide, non-competitive Fédération Internationale de Gymnastique (FIG) Gymnastics for all event held every four years, attracting the largest number of active participants of any FIG event. Participation is for everybody, regardless of gender, age, race, religion, culture, ability or social standing.
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This year’s event will comprise of group performances with a total of 18 600 participants from 60 countries. Glenwood Gymnastics coach Caron Henry, who trains the girls described the amazing lifetime experience as a huge melting pot of different styles of gymnastics, different cultures, religions and races coming together to perform their majestic pieces. “The number of participants is huge and they range in age from 8 to 80 years old. It’s a phenomenal event not like any other and something every young gymnast needs to experience. Our girls have grown immensely and shown great commitment to their training. I am a really proud coach, ” she added. The trio will be attending the event for the first time and expressed that although they are nervous about the journey that lies ahead, they are very excited about meeting other gymnasts from around the world as well as having the opportunity to learn new tricks and skills.
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In their public appeals to help raise funds to travel to Austria, the team has managed to secure a sponsorship from Serta which is a local bed company, that has offered to sponsor a bed for a raffle fundraiser organised by the girls. Serta business development manager, Anwar Sheik said that the company is proud to be associated with these remarkable gymnasts coming from the Bluff community. “To be so young and able to perform in an international arena is an opportunity that should not be missed and Serta is ecstatic that our sponsorship has assisted in the fundraising attempts of these travels.”
The girls appeal to the public for further assistance with sponsorships to help get them to Austria. For more information contact Caron Henry on 082-327-3823.
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