• Gymnastics

Rhythmic gymnasts gear up for crucial second qualifier

• 4 Months Ago 08 August 2024

A display of grace, strength and precision awaits as rhythmic gymnasts nationwide are preparing to compete in the highly anticipated second qualifying competition to be held at the Windhoek Showgrounds from Friday to Sunday.

Co-hosted by Parkies Rhythmic Gymnastics and Elite Rhythmic Gymnastics Club, the competition will see over 350 gymnasts from ten clubs across the country vie for top honours in the qualifying race.

Uschi Bence, head coach of the Parkies club, and Eleonora Karamfilova, owner and head coach of Elite, are organisers of the event which is a proven highlight on the Namibia Gymnastics Federation (NGF) calendar.



Competing for places at nationals

Dreams of national glory are on the line, as rhythmic gymnasts aged 5 to 19 years from Levels 1 to the Senior Olympic level, will be tested to showcase their talents for a coveted spot in the next stage of their competitive journey.

“This compulsory event is a pivotal milestone for these athletes, as it determines their eligibility for the national competition in October. The first nationals, for Novice Level 1 to 3, will be hosted by Windhoek Rhythmic Gymnastics Club in Olympia from 18 to 19 October.

“The second nationals, for Level 4 to Senior Olympic level, will be hosted by Infinity Rhythmic Gymnastics in Walvis Bay on 25 and 26 October,” the organisers said.

Karamfilova said the gymnasts are more than ready to showcase their skills, which come as the result of countless hours of dedicated training.

“With the support of our community, parents, sponsors and the national federation, we are so proud and excited to host this competition and showcase our amazing Namibian talent. Gymnasts have worked tirelessly throughout the year, and now is their time to shine,” she said.



Supportive sponsors and parents

Bence said they are thrilled to host the second qualifier.

“We anticipate a highly successful, well-organised event that will elevate the competitive standards within the federation. We aim to showcase the beauty of our sport to the country and are confident our gymnastics will excel,” she said.

The organisers further extended their gratitude to the sponsors and parents. “This event would not have been possible without the support of our sponsors Arysteq Asset Management, Trophäendienste, Hemco Paint, WV Manufacturing, I.F.N Airfreight Logistics, African Shipping Services and The Barn, as well as dedicated parents from the hosting clubs.”



The summarised schedule (all at Windhoek Show Grounds):

FRIDAY: Levels 6 and 7, at the Anchen Wille Dance Academy from 07:45; prize-giving from 11:45. High Performance and Pre-junior categories, alongside Levels 8 to 10 from 11:30; prize-giving from 19:30.

SATURDAY: Level 2 and 3 from 08:00 to 13:00, followed by prize-giving. Level 1 to 5 from 16:00 to 20:00, followed by prize-giving.

SUNDAY: Junior and senior gymnasts, from 08:00 to 12:00, followed by prize-giving.

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