At last, my dream has come true! For a long time now I’ve wanted to organize a children’s gymnastics festival where little gymnasts could display their abilities. But not in the form of a competition – simply a big party for children, at which nobody worries about winning points or getting marks. I was very concerned, of course, about how it would all work out - the organization, the scenario, the concert programme, the performances by the young gymnasts and the children’s musical groups, the travel arrangements for the spectators – little kids from orphanages. But it all turned out superbly. And most importantly, the kids enjoyed it – both those who watched it from the hall and those who performed on stage. After the performance our little artistes, who came from many different Russian gymnastics schools, shared their impressions with us: “At the competitions everything is so strict”, they said. “We have to do particular elements, so we worry about every little thing. But there’s none of this tension in the show – you can do even more than you need to under the programme”. I also spoke to the kids from the musical groups - the Domisolki, Neposedy, Novaya Volna and others. They were also really pleased that everything had worked out so well.
The festival was put together in a very short period of time, and I’m grateful to those who helped with the preparations. Without their support and enthusiasm none of it would have been possible. A big thanks to the producer, Alexander Revzin, the trainers and directors on the sports side, and to the “Rossiya” TV channel, the Ministry of Education (which helped bus in the kids from the orphanages) and the Ministry of Health (which provided a team of medics on stand-by). There were so many letters and telegrams of thanks from our young spectators! They really enjoyed it – they saw some famous performers in the flesh and went home with so many new impressions!
I’d like to say a separate word of thanks to the management and staff of the Road Traffic Inspectorate, who were very efficient in providing an escort for the children’s buses.
So generally - a huge thanks to everyone involved in organizing this festival. We all tried hard, and I think it was a big success. Next year, I hope we’re able to run an international children’s gymnastics festival. I’m hoping to invite participants from Spain, China, Japan and other countries. By the way, one of the guests at the festival was a representative of the Council of Europe. And when she saw all those talented gymnasts and young performers from all over Russia she exclaimed in delight “Yes, what a great country Russia is!”
I’m happy that Russia finally has a festival devoted to my beloved rhythmic gymnastics. I hope it becomes a firm tradition and attracts ever increasing numbers of children and adults to this sport.
