Gymnastic festival set for Saturday

The Island Acro Gymnastics Club will host the annual Gymnastics Festival at the Vou Hub on Saturday from 10am to 4pm. The festival is to bring together clubs, schools, athletes and families to celebrate the sport.

The event will feature competitions, performances, workshops and family-friendly activities, while also showcasing a visiting gymnastics team from Denmark.

Speaking to SUNsports yesterday, Island Acro Gymnastics Club director Michelle Fink Lassen said the festival aims to promote gymnastics and encourage more people to get involved.

“The festival is about much more than competition. It brings our gymnastics community together, celebrates our athletes and gives them something to work towards throughout the year,” Lassen said.

“We also want to show that gymnastics is a fun, healthy and inclusive sport that people of all ages and abilities can enjoy. We hope the festival inspires more people across Fiji to discover gymnastics.”

One of the festival highlights will be the appearance of the Bjergsnæs Efterskole gymnastics team from Denmark.

Team coach Thea Hogh said the delegation comprised of 59 gymnasts and coaches, aged between 17 and 27, who shared a passion for gymnastics and community.

“The team was formed to bring together former students of Bjergsnaes Efterskole through gymnastics,” Hogh said.

“We came to Fiji for a cultural exchange to share our knowledge and learn about Fijian culture. It has been a memorable experience for everyone.”

During their visit, the team has conducted workshops and performances in Sabeto, Lautoka and Nadi, while also coaching local gymnastics instructors and engaging with schools and communities.

She said Saturday’s festival would be the public’s final opportunity to watch the Danish team perform and participate in its workshops.

“We hope we have inspired school students, local communities and coaches to stay active, enjoy movement and, most importantly, have fun.”

The festival is open to the public, with workshops available for anyone interested in trying gymnastics.