Amsterdam School Project a great success

In all 49 primary schools in Amsterdam have applied to participate in the school project which has gymnastics as a theme. The city of Amsterdam is very pleased, because by this initiative they reach no fewer than 4500 primary schoolchildren. One of the targets of this project is making Amsterdam kids move. Gymnastics is fun, healthy and instructive according to the city. They hope that the kids who participate will keep on moving by becoming a member of one of the Amsterdam gymnastics clubs.

Free teaching package

The city of Amsterdam and the Royal Dutcg Gymnastics Federation offer primary schools with a professional gymnastics teacher, a free gymnastics teaching package for grades 4 until 6. The classes will be given by certified gymnastics trainers in cooperation with the professional schoolteacher. The first two classes will take place on school. Then there will be a class in one of the gymnatics halls at Turning Spirit (ALO), Turnace Gymnastics and Tonido. In these gym halls children will be able to use apparatuses and materials which won’t be found in most gyms. The emphasis will be on daring movements such as the forward somersault and handstand. By making use of modern appliances it is even possible to experience  the sensation of a giant swing. There are a total of 17 certified gymnastics trainers who will coach the professional teachers.

Highlight

The highlight for the participating children will no doubt be their visit to the European Artistic Gymnastics Championships in the Amsterdam RAI. All pupils will be allowed to watch the Championships on Tuesday the 24th of April or Wednesday the 25th of April as a concluding activity. The official stage trainings will take place on these days. Gymnasts from 39 countries will be present at the European Championships. With this project and these Championships Amsterdam is living up to its reputation as a sportsminded city. For more info about sportsevents in Amsterdam surf to www.sport.amsterdam.nl. 

For more information about the 2007 European Artistic Gymnastics Championships go to www.ecgymnastics2007.com.

Pieter Matthijsse
Organising Committee ECh Artistic Gymnastics Amsterdam