ORIGINS

It is safe to assume that man has been performing his own variations of the basic gymnastic arts since immemorial time. The word's etymology reminds us that our Greek forefathers performed gymnastics naked. Indeed, in Zeus' language “gumnos” means 'naked'. The word 'acrobatics' is also derived from the Greek “akrobatos”, literally meaning “walking on the tips of the toes”.

Closer to our time, other famous authors, thinkers and philosophers, especially Luther and Rousseau, continued to praise the virtues of what they had already proclaimed to be the 8th Art and one of the key elements of pedagogy (Emile or on Education). At the beginning of the 20th Century, the dramatist Anton Chekhov founded the Russian Federation of Gymnastics.

The European Federation of Gymnastics (Fédération Européenne de Gymnastique -- FEG), created in 1881, is the oldest international organization responsible for structuring gymnastics. «FEG» becomes «FIG» (Fédération Internationale de Gymnastique) in 1921, when non European countries were first admitted into the Federation.

In 1896, gymnastics appears in the program of the first Olympic Games of our era, revitalized by Coubertin. Seven years later in 1903, the FIG organizes its first world championships, however for men exclusively. Women had to wait until 1934…, although they were already welcomed at the Olympic Games as early as 1928.

What is it about gymnastics that has captured people’s imaginations since its origins close to 5,000 years ago? It is gymnastics’ unique combination of grace, flexibility, agility, balance, power and strength. Gymnastics’ balance of artistry and acrobatics has earned it a place at the very forefront of the Olympic movement, since the first modern Games in 1896. The same attraction that draws people to watch Olympic gymnastics on television is what inspires people of all ages to participate in the sport. In Canada there are more than 200,000 registered members of Gymnastics Canada. Worldwide, an astounding 30 million people are members of their country’s gymnastics federation.

What is it that makes gymnastics so popular? It is the fact that everyone can find something meaningful and beneficial in the sport, regardless of your age, you ability, or the ambitiousness of your goals. There is room for everyone in this sport, from the recreational gymnast who participates just for fun, to the high performance international competitor who is drawn by the allure of a gold medal. Gymnastics not only helps you improve your fitness, it also demands mental focus, and provides a valuable outlet for personal expression. You’re never too young, or too old, to gain something positive from the sport.

You owe it to yourself, or to your child, to find out how gymnastics can promote self-esteem, self-discipline, and form the healthy foundation for an active lifestyle. Speak to your local gymnastics club or visit our web site  to find out how you can best participate in this wonderful sport.

Gymnastics Canada

First established in 1969, Gymnastics Canada is the national governing body for the sport of gymnastics in Canada. Gymnastics Canada works closely with the twelve Provincial Federations and the 700 local clubs to provide a broad range of programs and services to meet the needs of all participants. From athlete development to coaching and judging education, Gymnastics Canada sets the operating standards and practices for the sport in Canada. Our mandate is to promote and provide positive and diverse gymnastics experience through the delivery of quality and safe gymnastics programming.

More to come.