30. October 2006  
Genf / Schweiz  
Artistic Gymnastics

125 years International Gymnastics Federation F.I.G.

birthday celebrations in Geneva

On the occasion of the 125th anniversary of the International Gymnastics Federation F.I.G. took place various events last weekend in Geneva and also takes place a photo exhibition in the Olympic museum in Lausanne, an exhibition of gymnastics equipment as well as a congress. Today evening will be held another highlight with the “F.I.G.- Gala”.

Many representatives of national federations, various international organisations and stars of the history of gymnastics have come to Geneva....

125 years F.I.G. - 110 years Olympic Family
Celebrations this weekend in Geneva

Artistic gymnastics – has its’ origins in Germany;

the beginning of international gymnastics took place in EUROPE

125 years Fédération Internationale de Gymnastique, F.I.G. -

On July 23rd 1881 Nicolas J. CUPERUS from Belgium founded in the city Liège the "Fédérations Europeènnes de Gymnastique" (FEG), at that point of time with Belgium, France and the Netherlands. Until 1886 14 further countries joined the federation. Cuperus became the first president of the federation and remained on this position for 43 years.

The FEG already was accepted by the IOC but nonetheless the federation didn’t officially take part in the I. Olympic Games in Athens 1896, although 18 athletes from five nations took part in the Games and gymnastics has been part of Olympic Games ever since then.

Carl Schuhmann (GER) - Olympic Champion 1896

- In 1903 for the first time a tournament with the four countries France, Belgium, Luxembourg and the Netherlands took place in Antwerp. Until 1930 further eight tournaments followed, who after the events took place were classified as World Championships.
- The "FEG" officially took part in Olympic Games for the first time in London 1908.
- On April 7th 1921 the until then European federation had 16 member federations and changed its’ name to Fédération Internationale de Gymnastique" (F.I.G.).
- 1930 the F.I.G. already had 22 member federations.
- Charles CAZALET from France became F.I.G.- president in 1924, four years later founder CUPERUS died at the age of 86.
- On the position of F.I.G.- president followed in 1933 Earl Adam ZAMOYSKI (Poland), in 1946 Goble

honorary guests in Geneva: Family Liukin - father and mother former World Champions for the USSR, daughter Nastia today for the USA

- Led by the F.I.G., in 1963 in Budapest took place the 1st World Championships of “modern gymnastics" which named as rhythmic gymnastics became an Olympic discipline in 1981 and for the first time was part of the Olym

World stars of international gymnastics as guests in Geneva

Bruno GRANDI (ITA), FIG-president since 1996

- Since 2004 the F.I.G. has 129 member federations.
In Antalya (TUR) Bruno GRANDI was re-elected for his third period of office.
- In 2005 Norbert BUECHE (SUI) handed over the position of F.I.G.- general secretary after 17 years to André Gueisbuhler (SUI).
- In 1991 the F.I.G. had moved from Lyss to Moutier and now in 2006 Neuchatel is becoming the new location of the F.I.G.- headquarters where currently are working 20 employees.
FIG-GALA for the 125th anniversary
Tonight takes place under the stage direction of the Canadian World circus Cirque du Soleil the anniversary gala of the F.I.G. Many gymnastics- stars will take part in it.
These galas were held already worldwide in Kuala Lumpur (May), Buenos Aires, San Juan (June), Sydney (August) and Joetsu/ Japan (September).
Futher galas will follow on Nov. 5th in Ghent (BEL), Nov. 30th in Capetown (RSA) and on Dec. 1st in Frankfurt (GER).
(c) GYMmedia, E. Herholz