The International Federation of Gymnastics (FIG) has made a strong impact on the development of gymnastics in South America and Africa. In recent months, several countries hosted courses and camps that improved coaches’ skills while laying the foundation for long-term growth in the sport.

Countries like Paraguay and Ecuador became centers of excellence, hosting programs in Fundamentals of Gymnastics, Rhythmic Gymnastics, and Trampoline Gymnastics. Meanwhile, in Africa, Zambia held a pioneering Acrobatic Gymnastics camp that sparked enthusiasm and opened doors for neighboring countries such as Malawi to engage in the discipline.

Academies strengthening gymnastics across continents

In Asunción, the Paraguayan Gymnastics Federation organized two major events: a Fundamentals of Gymnastics course in April and a Level 2 Rhythmic Gymnastics academy in July. Coaches from across the region participated, supported by FPG president Paula Espínola, who praised the state-of-the-art facilities recently built to host international events. In Quito, a Level 1 Trampoline Gymnastics academy brought together trainers from Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, and Ecuador, highlighting the country as a regional hub for gymnastics development.

In Africa, the city of Lusaka hosted the FIG Age-Group Acrobatic Gymnastics Camp, where coaches from Zambia and Malawi trained under Belgian expert Yves Van der Donckt. He emphasized that “the seed is already planted,” reflecting the excitement and potential for a structured roadmap in the sport. The series of educational activities concluded in Cairo, with a Level 1 Rhythmic Gymnastics academy for coaches from Egypt, Bulgaria, and Morocco, reinforcing FIG’s commitment to advancing gymnastics worldwide.