Andrea João

Mexico hosts the 170th FIG Academy

2014-07-18

The Gymnastics Federation of Mexico hosted a Level 2 FIG Academy for Men’s and Women’s Artistic Gymnastics on July 6-13, 2014. This was the 170th Academy in the twelve-year old programme.

The Academy was hosted at the magnificent facilities of the Complejo Nissan de Gimnasia in the city of Guadalajara.

Twenty-two coaches participated (17 for Women’s Artistic and only five for Men’s Artistic Gymnastics) from three Spanish speaking Pan-American countries – Costa Rica, Panama and Mexico. The relatively large participation numbers were gratifying since this was not one of the academies partially funded by the FIG Development Fund for the Pan American Gymnastics Union (PAGU).

Some of the most experienced Academy experts served at this Academy. Andrea João of Brazil served as FIG course leader. She is a sport science professor, President of the gymnastics federation for the state of Rio de Janeiro and has been a frequent course leader and expert for the FIG Academy programme. She taught all of the theory lectures. The women’s technical lectures were taught by Andres Llanos Gerardino of Colombia who currently lives and coaches in Panama. He has served multiple times as an FIG expert for Women’s Artistic Gymnastics (WAG) in the Academy programme and in the age group programme. The men’s events were taught by Jose Sucart of Puerto Rico also a frequent Academy and age group expert. Lilia Ortiz Lopez of Mexico came to Guadalajara to teach the artistic preparation, music and choreography lectures. She has also served the FIG at many Academies and age group programme camps.

The examination results ranged from 57% to 96%. The highest result for WAG on the two part theory and practical examination and for the course overall was achieved by two coaches: Carolina Gomez Jiminez of Costa Rica andLorena Galan Escajadillo of Mexico. The highest mark of 92% for MAG coaches, and the third highest mark for the Academy was achieved by Roberto Robles Herrera of Costa Rica.

We thank and congratulate the Mexican Gymnastics Federation and its President Gustavo Salazar for hosting this Academy so successfully and so soon after an Academy for Rhythmic Gymnastics and immediately before the PASO Olympic Festival. A very helpful and enthusiastic staff of helpers led by Naomi Valenzo (MEX) assured that all the needs of the participants and experts were met.