1. INTRODUCTION The Gym for Life Challenge is a new event concept currently being developed by the Fédération Internationale de Gymnastique (FIG). The event programme will incorporate, for the first time on a world level, a Contest for performance groups of all ages and genders. However, under the auspices of the FIG s Gymnastics for All Committee the Gym for Life Challenge will offer much more to participants with additional activities combined to make this a unique and exciting event opportunity. The Gym for Life Challenge will complement the FIG s World Gymnaestrada by being held every four (4) years, between this wellknown event. The Gym for Life Challenge provides National Federations affiliated to the FIG with an exciting event opportunity. The Gym for Life Challenge will provide our gymnasts with another opportunity to unite, share, learn and make new friends while experiencing and enjoying the world of gymnastics and movement. We look forward to welcoming you at this event in 2009! For further details or information on the Gym for Life Challenge please don t hesitate to contact Mrs Margaret Sikkens Ahlquist, President FIG Gymnastics for All Committee. Information is also available at www.fig-gymnastics.com or www.gymforlife09.org Page 1
2. WHERE AND WHEN Place Dornbirn, Austria will be the place for the 1 st Gym for Life Challenge. The Austrian Gymnastics Federation was awarded the hosting of the event at the FIG Council meeting in 2008. Dornbirn, who organised the World Gymnaestrada in 2007 has a lot of experience and will do everything they can to make this event a success. Dornbirn is situated in the western part of Austria and the nearest airport is Zurich, SUI. Date 15 th 19 th July 2009 15 th July Arrival and Opening Ceremony 16 th -18 th July Gym for Life Challenge 19 th July Departure 3. EVENT GUIDELINES Take the Challenge Contest The Gym for Life Challenge is a Contest for groups of gymnasts of all age groups from any gymnastic discipline. There will be three age groups being: 16 years and under 17 years and above Mixed age groups Contest divisions: Groups, involving teams of 20 or less gymnasts Groups, involving teams of 21 or more gymnasts (small groups) (large groups) Page 2
The groups can participate in the Contest with a programme of a maximum of 5 minutes, incorporating any gymnastic element; with or without apparatus and it can be accompanied by music. The Contest will take place indoors on an area of 20m x 30m Each group will have a maximum of 4 minutes to prepare the area. Group Performances will be evaluated on:- Entertainment value Overall impression Innovation, originality, variety Technique (quality & skill safety) All parts have equal value. The evaluation will be carried out by a panel of experts who will have experience across a range of performance, artistry, technical and choreography fields. After the performance the group will receive a personal feedback. All groups participating in the Contest will be awarded eider Gold, Silver or Bronze placing There are no limits to how many groups the federations can participate with. Page 3
Workshops A variety of practical and theoretical Workshops focusing on the Gymnastics for All areas like Gymnastics & Dance, Fitness, Health and working with apparatus will be offered throughout the week. The Workshops will be for all participants including; coaches, leaders, observers and gymnasts and utilised as a way of spreading the values of Fun, Fitness, Fundamentals and Friendship. Gym for Life Gala Groups who achieved Gold at the Contest will be participating in the Gym for Life Gala where the Champion Group of the Year 2009 will be awarded. The Gala will be organised on the last evening of the event. Observation group A special observation group will be organised to give federations, not participating with any groups, the possibility to study the event. All member federations will receive a special invitation to this observation group. City Performances During the week City Performances will be organised and all groups will be invited to participate. This will be an opportunity to get more performances during the event. The size of the performance area will be smaller, approx. 14m x 14m and there will be no time limit for the performances. Page 4
Sightseeing A lot of sightseeing will be offered in the beautiful surroundings of Dornbirn and Vorarlberg - additional information to follow. 4. COST Participant card The cost for the participant card is 140 and includes the following: Entry to all Contests during daytime Local public transport 15-19 July 2009 Reduced price for the Gala ticket Opening Ceremony and Closing Party City Performances Workshops Accommodation School accommodation will be offered at 15/night/person. Breakfast is included in that price. There is also hotel accommodation - additional information regarding prices, etc to follow. Meal One meal per day will be offered for 10/person. Airport transport The Organising Committee will offer a transport service from Zurich airport (SUI), München airport (GER) and Friedrichshafen airport (GER) - additional information regarding prices, etc to follow. Page 5
5. Gym for Life Challenge PROGRAMME Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 Day 5 Arrival and Opening Ceremony Contest part 1, City Performances Contest part 2, City Performances and Workshops City Performances, Workshops, Gym for Life Gala and Closing Party Departure 6. IMPORTANT DATES Please note the following dates: June 2008 Invitation to all FIG Member Federations 10 th October 2008 Preliminary registration 10 th February 2009 Definitive registration and 50% payment 10 th May 2009 Final payment 15 th -19 th July 2009 Gym for Life-Challenge 7. MORE INFORMATION More information is to be found on the FIG and the Organising Committee web sites. www.fig-gymnastics.com www.gymforlife09.org The Organising Committee will also send out Newsletters with all the necessary information and forms to be completed by the federations and sent back to the FIG and OC. Page 6
Please note that all registrations for participation have to be done by FIG Member Federations. No other registration will be accepted. For further information or assistance please contact the Organising Committee in Dornbirn or the FIG Gymnastics for All committee: 1 st Gym for Life Challenge 2009 Marktplatz 16 A-6850 Dornbirn Tel: +43 5572 38660014 Fax: +43 5572 38660027 office@gymforlife09.org www.gymforlife09.org Margaret Sikkens Ahlquist President FIG Gymnastics for All Committee Page 7