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Gymnastics Federation
Artistic Gymnastics was introduced in Malta on the initiative of the Maltese Government and the newly forged ties with Popular China. A Gymnastics coach from Shanghai visited Malta in 1974 for a period of eighteen months. The coach worked on different levels, starting with a coaching course for male teachers and visiting various boys’ secondary schools to introduce gymnastics lessons. A group of eleven year old students were chosen to meet the coach twice a week at the Marsa Sports Club. The group registered quite impressive results and in a short time a very good standard of floor work was achieved. A competition was held for secondary school boys. Eventually the same initiative was taken up in the girls’ schools. The visit by the Chinese coach was followed by other coaches from the Peoples’ Republic of Korea who did sterling work.
The Malta Gymnastics Federation was founded by a group of gymnastics enthusiasts namely parents and coaches as a non-profit making organization on 20th November 1996. The Federation is an affiliated member of the Malta Olympic Committee, Malta Sports Council and International Gymnastics Federation. Its main objectives are to govern the sports of gymnastics nationally, develop gymnasts, holding courses for judges and coaches, co-ordinate safe and healthy physical development, to organize the official events such as National Championship and National Team formation and to promote gymnastics.
The First National Championship for both girls and boys of all ages, and using all equipment for girls namely Floor, Bars, Beam and Vault and four out of six equipment for boys:- Floor, Bar, Vault and Parallel Bars, was held in 1999 and from these results the first National Team was born. In December of that year they were invited to compete in an International Club Competition in Milton Keynes, England. Considering that this was their first taste of international competition the results were very encouraging. In the years to follow the team attended a number of training camps also held at Milton Keynes. The Federation took every opportunity possible where the team could perform in public at various manifestations so as to encourage the sport of gymnastics.
When the Federation was formed, gymnastics was still a long way from being included in the world podium. Its various disciplines are popular sports for girls and boys of all ages. Today, gymnastics has made great strides forward, with the boys using all six equipment, Floor, Bar, Vault, Parallel Bars, Rings and Pommel Horse. In addition, many clubs have taken their gymnasts, (boys and girls) overseas for various competitions where they have obtained very good results, winning a number of medals.
Over the years, the Federation has received financial assistance and support from both the MOC and KMS. Through the Olympic Solidarity the MOC assisted the Federation in bringing an Italian coach who conducted a coach’s seminar. MOC also assisted in bringing over a Russian coach from England to coach the National Team. The Federation has also organized a number of fundraising events to be able to send the children to training camps abroad or to bring foreign coaches to Malta. The Federation is presently looking at the possibility of acquiring premises where it could hold its meetings. It is also trying to raise funds to buy more equipment which is rather costly.
Gymnasts from the National Team are presently undergoing intensive training in preparation for International Games of this year which are the Island Games, ISF World Gymnasiade and for the GSSE to be held next year. Over the past ten years, there has been a steady growth in gymnastics, both in popularity and in skills. This will give way to a positive future for young gymnasts. Those who are interested in this sport can contact the Malta Gymnastics Federation c/o Mr. Roberto De Santis Penthouse 18, Robert's Court, Quintinus Street, Bugibba. or by email on maltagym.fed@gmail.com as well as on telephone nos. 99200112 or 79948700
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