Originally a small group of gymnastics enthusiasts and former participants in the Gymnaestrada. The idea of organising this unique event was born during the 1999 Gymnaestrada in Gothenberg (Sweden). It has not stopped evolving since.
In 2003, with the return to Lisbon, an important step was taken: the establishment of a candidacy committee.
In May 2006, the International Gymnastics Federation Board decided to entrust Switzerland and Lausanne with the organisation of the 14th World Gymnaestrada, to the great joy of the candidacy committee and the many people supporting this magnificent project.
Then, an organising committee (OC WG-2011) was set up, conceived both as an association of volunteers and as a professional business.
Today, it comprises some 80 people, all motivated by one common goal: to organise a magnificent Gymnaestrada, in the environment of respect, which prevailed on all the previous occasions, while gaining the participation of the local population and introducing new elements to the event.
- Hanspeter Tschopp
Message from the President of the Swiss Gymnastics Federation (FSG)
The Swiss Gymnastics Federation is delighted!
Enthusiasm, pleasure at being on the move and the joy of life are the main characteristics of the Gymnaestrada.
The Swiss Gymnastics Federation (FSG) is very happy to welcome the international family of gymnastics once again in Switzerland (after Basle in 1969 and Zurich in 1982), on the occasion of the 14th World Gymnaestrada. This will take place in the Olympic city of Lausanne, situated on the magnificent Lake of Geneva), with its many parks, surrounded by forests and mountains with views of the Swiss and French Alps. We extend a warm welcome to gymnastics fans from all over the world and wish them a great stay in our country, in the heart of Europe. The OC and the FSG will offer everyone an unforgettable and exciting Gymnaestrada. As Switzerland’s largest sporting federation, we attach the greatest importance to mass sports, of which the Gymnaestrada is an important offshoot.
We are looking forward to this week in July 2011, during which we will live moments that will be magic, fantastic, joyful and simply magnificent.
The Swiss Gymnastics Federation extends a cordial welcome to the World Gymnaestrada to all invited gymnastics fans.
- Marc Vuilleumier
Message from the President of the World Gymnaestrada Association Lausanne 2011
The countdown has started for the 14th Gymnaestrada, which will take place in Lausanne in 2011.
The various stages have all been successfully negotiated since 1999, the date when passionate gymnasts had the idea of proposing Lausanne’s candidature for this magnificent sporting event which brings together more than 20'000 athletes every four years.
Officially designated in 2006, Lausanne, Olympic capital, is organizing itself in order to be ready for this event.
As you all know, gymnastics has pride of place in Lausanne. Not only the largestsporting body in the country but the successful staging of both European and World Championships have show cased oour sport in 1990, 1997 and more recentlythis year leaving many memorable images with the Lausannecommunity. Inaddition, especially, as the European Gymnastics Union’s lead, the International Federation has recently chosen Lausanne for its headquarters. All the ingredients have come together to ensure a success in 2011, a new challenge tested and embraced by Switzerland’s fifth city, which is now eagerly anticipating this unique event.
It is this city, ever welcoming, that we want to help you discover on this occasion.
