PRESS RELEASE – (Hagatna) The Guam Gymnastics Federation (GGF) is now a proud member of the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG).
On the third and final day of the 83rd FIG Congress on November 7 in Antalya, Turkey, FIG members voted to admit Guam and six other national gymnastics federations as affiliated members.
“This honor has been a goal since the GGF began its formation in 2014, and then was welcomed into the Guam National Olympic Committee (GNOC) and the Oceania Gymnastics Union (OGU) back in 2019,” said Jayne Flores, GGF President.
“We are very much indebted to the members and staff of the OGU, who encouraged and supported us in our efforts to develop the sport of gymnastics on Guam and gain membership in the FIG,” Flores said.
“This is a wonderful achievement for the region as we continue to look to build the capacity and capability of our member federations,” noted OGU President Chiller in an OGU media release.
“From hosting OGU-funded coaching workshops here on island for gymnasts, dancers, and cheerleaders, to the acquisition of equipment like our air floor strip, the OGU has been extremely helpful in our efforts,” added Ric Heath, GGF Board member and owner/coach of Island Twisters Gymnastics Club.
Flores noted that membership in the FIG can bring additional opportunities for the federation and its athlete development.
“Membership to an International sports body is crucial to all National Sports Federations. This recognition will allow Guam gymnastics athletes more opportunities to grow within the sport,” said Robert J. Steffy, GNOC Secretary-General. “With this, GNOC extends our congratulations to the Guam Gymnastics Federation on their acceptance as a member of the International Gymnastics Federation.”
The Democratic Republic of the Congo, Haiti, Lesotho, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, and Togo were also voted in as affiliated members at the FIG Congress, bringing to 156 the number of FIG member federations – 154 affiliated members and two associated members, according to the FIG website, https://www.gymnastics.sport/site/.
For more information, contact the Guam Gymnastics Federation at guamgymnastics@gmail.com, or call Jayne Flores at (671) 483-6409.
