Youth takes the stage at the first edition of European Gymnastics Young Leaders Forum

Rimini not only hosted the European Championships in Men’s and Women’s Artistic Gymnastics, but also the first edition of European Gymnastics Young Leaders Forum. From 26 to 28 April, 18 participants from all over Europe and from different branches of gymnastics, got together for presentations, personal development, networking and learning opportunities, but most importantly – gymnastics.

The movement is the legacy of the European Athletics Young Leaders forum that was organised in 2022 in Munich during the joint European Championships where participants from other sports, including gymnastics, were invited to partake. Four enthusiastic participants decided to give young leaders in gymnastics a chance to experience the same: to be able to come together with other inspiring future leaders, to exchange stories and make friendships that will last a lifetime.

 

The forum was opened by European Gymnastics Executive Committee Member Sólveig Jónsdóttir. The participants went through an empowerment session with coach Gabriela Mueller Mendoza, listened to a presentation by President of the Medical Commission Dr. Odysseas Paxinos and were given a backstage tour of the 2024 Artistic Gymnastics European Championships by the Executive Director of the competition Marco Cadeddu. Day one ended on a high note with a talk with European Gymnastics President Farid Gayibov and attending the seniors apparatus finals.

On Sunday, we started with an online chat with James Mulligan, Communications Director European Championships Management ECM, followed by a presentation from Tomislav Grubišić, CEO of Elevien. Participants then got the opportunity for a talk with Aljaž Pegan, president of the FIG Athletes Commission and Ciaran Gallagher, European Gymnastics Executive Committee Member. The forum ended with a brainstorming session on what the future of gymnastics should look like in order to bring in the fans, viewership, and fanbase it deserves.

The forum was a great source of inspiration for young gymnastics enthusiasts who wish to give back to the sport and help it grow and flourish in the future. The participants were invited to become a part of the legacy themselves by creating a team that will organise the next young leaders forum.