South African gymnasts of all ages are gearing up for the World Gymnaestrada, the most inclusive gymnastics event that will see over 162 athletes defy age barriers, uniting from all backgrounds in the sport they love.
Global (30 June, 2023)—Kicking ageism to the curb and putting inclusion first in the sporting world, South African gymnasts of all ages will unite to showcase their skills at the upcoming World Gymnaestrada. The unique global event gives generations and cultures the opportunity to join forces from all over South Africa (and the world) to unite in the sport they love.
162 Participants across provinces and their coaches—like South Africa itself— will make a melting pot of rich cultures and skills, all spilling out on the world stage to the rhythm of a single sport.
From school children to grandparents, gymnasts from all stretches of our country will get to enjoy the non-competitive space and hub of the international community.
The event, which will take place in a month, already has teams and coaches counting down the days to Amsterdam where the showcase will take place. Only held every four years, there will be 18,832 participants in 2023!
However, above and beyond uniting cultures, the event has always been a safe space to do this—even in times when the rest of the world hadn’t caught up. Since 1953, all ages, races, genders cultures have been welcome.
One local gymnast, Cornelia ‘Connie’ Esau from Cape Town has been participating in the event since the 70s’. She shared that she always looks forward to the big week of the year, long in advance.
“Fortunately, colour and origin are no longer an obstacle to doing gymnastics together. That is so important, it gives such a better feeling. Discrimination is the worst thing there is,” she added.
Connie was even inspired to begin coaching after her participation in Berlin in 1975, and so she and other enthusiasts started the Phoenix Gymnastics Coaches Club where underprivileged young athletes and dancers could also learn.
The World Gymnaestrada will take place on 30 July to 5 August, and the South African team has worked hard to raise funds over the years to light up the global stage. Their performance will share South African culture and flair with the world.
Meanwhile, the South African junior rhythmic gymnasts are heading off to the Junior World Championships in Bulgaria in early July.
As for the South African artistic gymnast team that made South Africa so proud last month by becoming the best-of-the-best on the continent at the African Championships, they’re one step closer to the 2024 Paris Olympics after earning gold as the continent’s best-of-the-best and will head off to their World Champs event later this year.