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London on the road to Cancun!

Lausanne (SUI) / FIG Office, 23 May 2012: No sooner had the business of this year’s FIG Council meeting in Russia been concluded, than the 40 members present were already turning their thoughts towards Mexico and the resort of Cancun, which is set to host the 79th FIG Congress in October this year.

The Congress is a key event in the FIG calendar, at which all of the Federation’s elected office-holders will be required to seek a new mandate for the 2013 - 2016 term. Most of the 130 national federations affiliated with the FIG will be represented at the Congress.

During the two-day session in St Petersburg, the Council members focused on reviewing various core Federation documents, which is a key aspect of their role. High on the agenda were the FIG Technical Regulations, with various amendments and additions being submitted by the Executive Committee for ratification by the Council members. Particular priority was given to drafting new criteria for the tie-break in Olympic competitions, with the new rules approved and due to come into force during London 2012 in July and August.

Staying with London 2012, the Council members were updated on the organisation of the artistic and rhythmic gymnastics competitions, which will take place at the North Greenwich Arena and Wembley Arena respectively. Meanwhile, it was confirmed that, in contrast to London, the gymnastics events at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games in Brazil will all take place under one roof, and that a FIG Gala has already been planned for the occasion!

Turning to financial matters, the Council approved the 2011 accounts. In view of the uncertain short-term economic outlook, it recommended that the FIG should tighten its budgetary reins, and member associations were urged to demonstrate prudence and rigorous controls over their spending. The four-year financial plan for the period 2013–2016 will be submitted to the General Assembly for approval in October.

Finally, two other significant calendar dates were confirmed: in 2017, the Norwegian Gymnastics Federation and the city of Vestfold will host the third edition of the World Gym For Life Challenge, while in 2013, British Gymnastics will host the 13th FIG Council in Liverpool, home of the Beatles.

However, before then, it will be Mariachi bands rather than Merseybeat providing the musical backdrop, when the delegates convene for the FIG Congress in Cancun on 25 October!

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