Rhythmic Gymnasts off to World Cup Series

TWO Namibian Junior Olympic Rhythmic Gymnasts this week departed to compete at the prestigious Federation International Gymnastics (FIG) World Cup Series Junior Rhythmic Gymnastics Competition in Portimao, Portugal from today, until Sunday.

Nicole Bierbach was invited to participate in this competition by Eunice Lebre, World Cup Organising Committee vice-president and FIG Brevet Judge, who saw her perform at the African Championships in November 2006. As the World Cup Series rules allow for two junior gymnasts per country to attend, Nicole will be accompanied by national coach Angela Lepekha and fellow Junior Olympic Gymnast Mirja Stoldt.A total of 26 countries and up to 52 gymnasts from all over the world will participate in this Junior Competition, which will run concurrently to the World Cup Competition for Senior gymnasts.The best rhythmic gymnasts in the world will be seen in the senior category and both events promise a tough competition.The Namibian team would like to extend their sincere thanks to Rennies Travel and in particular to Anke Baas and Anel Pretorius, for the excellent support and high level of service provided with all travel arrangements.Further assistance comes from the SKW Gymnastics Academy (the home club of the gymnasts) which provided generous support to the girls for their travel to this prestigious event, and both gymnasts and coach wish to express their appreciation thereof.As the World Cup Series rules allow for two junior gymnasts per country to attend, Nicole will be accompanied by national coach Angela Lepekha and fellow Junior Olympic Gymnast Mirja Stoldt.A total of 26 countries and up to 52 gymnasts from all over the world will participate in this Junior Competition, which will run concurrently to the World Cup Competition for Senior gymnasts.The best rhythmic gymnasts in the world will be seen in the senior category and both events promise a tough competition.The Namibian team would like to extend their sincere thanks to Rennies Travel and in particular to Anke Baas and Anel Pretorius, for the excellent support and high level of service provided with all travel arrangements.Further assistance comes from the SKW Gymnastics Academy (the home club of the gymnasts) which provided generous support to the girls for their travel to this prestigious event, and both gymnasts and coach wish to express their appreciation thereof.