WHAT TO EXPECT
#WG2015
The World Gymnaestrada is a worldwide, non-competitive Gymnastics for All festival held every four years, which attracts the largest number of active participants of any FIG event. Participation is for everybody, regardless of gender, age, race, religion, culture, ability or social standing.
For seven days, more than 21,000 participants from 50 different countries will "Make the Earth Move" at the World Gymnaestrada 2015 Helsinki. Being held for the first time ever on Finnish soil, the World Gymnaestrada will be the largest event in terms of international participants ever to take place in Finland.
Hundreds of hours of gymnastics are on a programme that includes city performances all around Helsinki and gymnastics experiences for all beyond those on the official programme.
OPENING CEREMONY
A festive and grand opening ceremony, like at the Olympics, will kick off the week of gymnastics. Participants will march to the Helsinki Olympic Stadium and stay to watch the colourful ceremony. The spirit of the event, fun and friendship builds from day one.
GROUP PERFORMANCES
Groups of 10 or more gymnasts, including participants of all ages, will perform at the Messukeskus Helsinki, Expo & Convention Centre from July 13 - 17. Group performances reflect the vast variety of the possibilities Gymnastics for All has to offer.
LARGE GROUP PERFORMANCES
Outdoor stadium performances are the crown jewel of the World Gymnaestrada. Groups with 200 to more than 1,000 gymnasts will present their stunning choreography in the Sonera Stadium.
MIDNIGHT SUN SPECIAL
In the middle of the festival week, the Olympic Stadium will welcome gymnastics friends to enjoy the magic of a Finnish “nightless night”. Featuring numerous large group performances and inspired by the light of Finnish summer nights, the Midnight Sun Special will be held for the first time in the World Gymnaestrada history.
WORLD TEAM
Also a first, World Team is a opportunity for all World Gymnaestrada participants to participate in an international large group programme. With easy-to-learn choreography that invites everyone to join in, nearly 2,000 gymnasts from 27 countries will be active on the field at the same time under the theme: "From Near or Far – Come as You are! Let’s experience it together: Happiness and friendship – Joy of gymnastics!"
NATIONAL AFTERNOONS
Introduced to the World Gymnaestrada programme for the first time in 2015, these afternoon performances are hour-long gymnastics shows presented by different countries. National afternoons will take place in the Messukeskus Helsinki Expo and Convention Center and offer a daytime opportunity to experience the atmosphere of the traditional evening shows.
NATIONAL EVENINGS
National Evening gymnastics galas crown the days of the World Gymnaestrada 2015 Helsinki. They showcase the wide variety of gymnastics from one specific country. Staged at the indoor Helsinki Ice Hall, the national evenings are precisely choreographed shows with jaw-dropping acrobatics and spectacular light shows. Goosebumps guaranteed.
FIG GALA
The FIG Gala takes the spectators around the world in less than two hours. Carefully selected performances are packaged together in a spectacular show. Under the theme "Live, Laugh & Love" and consisting of 20 high quality gymnastics programmes from 18 eighteen countries, the FIG Gala 2015 promises an unforgettable, emotional, energetic and wonderful experience.
CLOSING CEREMONY
The eventful gymnastics week culminates in the official Closing Ceremony at the historical Olympic Stadium. On July 18, all participants will come together one last time to celebrate the memorable event and to say goodbye to Helsinki. The World Gymnaestrada 2015 Helsinki will end with a festive show and with a surprise programme accompanied by Finnish music.
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FIG World of Gymnastics,
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Tel. +41 21 321 55 10
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