World Gymnaestrada Dornbirn 2007

Congratulations and thank you !

Dornbirn (AUT), July 14, 2007: Dornbirn is closing its doors on the world of Gymnastics for All with a heavy heart, but with a warm memory to light the days ahead. The Gymnaestrada is leaving behind an indelible mark on the Vorarlberg region and on the history of the towns that hosted these 56 participating federations.

From the opening ceremony to more than 1,500 shows on the Gymnaestrada's programme and City Performances, to national evenings and the final closing ceremony, this moment in the history of Gymnastics for All has been universal, has demonstrated solidarity and was simply phenomenal.

Above all else, Gymnastics for All is a sport that transcends barriers between the world's cultures. It sets an example as a foundational sport for humanity as a whole, for any heritage, for any culture.

The Gymnaestrada reached the summits of success and glory in terms of logistic performance, a quality welcome, artistic and technical performance. The volunteers and residents of the Vorarlberg region can be proud of their work. Each overcame obstacles with lightheartedness and smiles. We congratulate and thank them for their commitment and their respect. We admire the body of participants for their passion and vitality. The Gymnaestrada has taken an important position in the world of international sport, draped as it is in robes of universality and solidarity.

After a closing ceremony which proved, for the last time, the professionalism of these Gymnaestrada organisers, we bid farewell to this corner of the world with a heartfelt 'Au revoir'.