The world’s largest gymnastics event, Gymnaestrada, will be held in Helsinki in July 2015.
The Helsinki Exhibition & Convention Centre is Finland’s only venue capable of accommodating Gymnaestrada. It will therefore be at the centre of this massive event, showcasing both amateur gymnasts and top names.
Organised by the International Gymnastics Federation, FIG, Gymnaestrada will bring around 25,000 gymnasts from 60 countries. In terms of international groups participating, Gymnaestrada will be the biggest event ever held in Finland.
– The Helsinki Exhibition & Convention Centre is Finland’s only venue capable of accommodating such an enormous event. Gymnastics will be performed in its nine arenas from morning to evening. A huge sports celebration is in prospect, when amateur gymnasts of all ages and the biggest names display their skills in parallel performances, says Anne Martikainen, President of the Finnish Gymnastics Federation.
In addition to colourful skill displays in the halls, the event will entertain Helsinki townspeople by reaching into the city centre. The summertime city will be treated to large gymnastics displays on outside stages.
Gymnaestrada is held every four years. The event was last held in Lausanne, Switzerland, in 2011.
In Finland, the event will be organised by the Finnish Gymnastics Federation, in partnership with the City of Helsinki and the Ministry of Education and Culture.