The Gymnastics Federation of the Bahamas recently participated in a specialized course offered by the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) that could add a new dimension to how the sport is taught here in The Bahamas, as well as worldwide.
Barbara Thompson, president of the local federation, attended the three-day course in Cancun, Mexico. Other participating countries were Canada, Chile, Colombia, Honduras, Mexico, Peru, Puerto Rico, Trinidad and the United States of America (USA). Delegates from the Pan American Gymnastics Union and FIG were on hand to teach the course, entitled 'World Gymnaestrada', in preparation for the 2015 event to be held in Helsinki, Finland.
The focus of this course was to show unity across the globe, to share learning experiences, where groups from any FIG registered nation join in a non-competitive display of gymnastics. Small groups, large groups, national displays with specialized costumes and cultural performances, athletes from other sports, the Special Olympics or any other discipline that relates to gymnastics, young and old, are all invited to perform in this, the largest event that FIG hosts every four years. It is even larger than gymnastics at the Olympics.
"This course was an eye-opener," Thompson remarked. "It should have great appeal to us in The Bahamas and will allow us to expand the program beyond the team/competitive gymnasts. Recreational gymnasts and other athletes will now have an opportunity to perform in the global arena beside other nations and achieve great recognition. While the displays are not judged on the same criteria as the Olympic and other competitive meets, they are all evaluated and awards granted accordingly," Thompson continued. "This is a great opportunity to showcase your country and its heritage."
There are a number of options for performing in the World Gymnaestrada or 'Gymnastics For All' - join with a multi-national group (with other countries) or simply do a national presentation sharing your country's own athletic and cultural heritage. While there is some preparation and choreography involved, children and adults of all ages are welcomed. The upcoming World Gymnaestrada, to be held in Finland from July 12-18, expects to have over 21,000 participants performing before a global audience.
This approach is different from the typical competitive type of gymnastics that is seen at the Olympics and other high caliber competitions. It is sometimes difficult for athletes to successfully pursue these higher level goals. Becoming an "elite" level gymnast is not required in this scheme for World Gymnaestrada.
Groups of two people or more may create a routine and join in local displays for the community, which is later followed by a national display where all interested groups may perform separately or together, as one body. A group, or groups, can then be selected to represent The Bahamas in the quadrennial worldwide display, World Gymnaestrada, hosted by FIG.
The Bahamas has been asked to participate in a feature performance highlighting the Pan American nations. If able to attend, The Bahamas may also have the opportunity to do an extra performance showcasing its own talent and unique traditions.
This new approach to training in the sport of gymnastics should open up more opportunities for interested Bahamians of all ages and abilities. The Gymnastics Federation of the Bahamas is hopeful that this should appeal to more aspiring athletes, whatever their abilities may be. It will also offer great exposure for the country as a whole and may assist in further development for sports-tourism.

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