PAGU holds Acrobatic Gymnastics Introductory Course in Mexico

The Olympic Training Center in Mexico hosted an Acrobatic Gymnastics Introductory Course from January 26 – 28, 2018. It was an exciting weekend attended by 33 enthusiastic coaches, representing 15 different clubs, from around Mexico. The course was directed by Pan American Gymnastics Union (PAGU) Acrobatic Gymnastics Technical Committee President, Tonya Case, (USA). Marie Annonson, former coach of the 2009 World Games and 2010 World champions in Mixed Pair, Kristin Allen and Michael Rodrigues (USA), was the second expert.

The focus of the 3-day course was “Starting an Acrobatic Gymnastics Programme”. Morning classroom sessions covered a wide variety of topics, including “How to Structure an Acrobatic Gymnastics Class”, and “Partner Selection”. Detailed information about the FIG 11-16 World Age Group Competition was presented, including photos and videos of the compulsory skills for all 5 events, Girls Pair, Boys Pair, Mixed Pairs, and Girls and Boys Groups.

The second part of each day was spent in the gym. With help from the seven acrobatic gymnasts that will represent Mexico at the upcoming World Age Group Competition, entry level Acrobatic Gymnastics skills were demonstrated live. Skill progression, spotting techniques and safety concerns were discussed. The participating coaches had the opportunity to try many of the easier skills themselves.

At the end of the three days, routines created by the coaches during the course were performed and the World Age Group competitors, two girls pairs and one girls trio, demonstrated their competition routines. 

The course was concluded by remarks from the Mexico Gymnastics Federation President, Gustavo Salazar, and PAGU President Naomi Valenzo (MEX). Both Presidents expressed enthusiasm about the future of Acrobatic Gymnastics, not only in Mexico, but also in Pan America.

The Mexican Gymnastics Federation is one of currently six FIG member federations on the Pan American continent that include Acrobatic Gymnastics in their programme.