Sir Philip Craven met Ronny Ziesmer ...

SIR Philip CRAVEN, Ronny Ziesmer
in Berlin

At the end of the"International Paralympic Day" in Berlin, last weekend, the 2004 German Olympian Ronny ZIESMER, who, exactly five years ago (on 12th July 2004) suffered a devastating injury during a training camp of the German national Olympic team, and has had to remain in a wheelchair ever since – met with the President of the International Paralympic Committee, Sir Philip CRAVEN.
The most modern Accident and Emergency Hospital in Europe, the renowned "UKB", which was visited by Craven - himself participant in Swimming and Wheelchair Basketball during five Paralympic Games held between 1972 - '88 - and where Ronny went through surgery and stayed for 10 months to recover and prepare for his new life, witnessed a lively exchange of ideas- including Ziesmer’s strong position on why Gymnastics, which has been a recognized Olympic discipline since 1896, is still not part of the Paralympic Games.

... a Hangar for a Helicopter with a special petrol station
... on a roof of an Emergency Hospital - one week before its official unveiling
Prof. Dr. med. Axel Ekkernkamp (2. v. re.), medical and managing Director of the UKB explained Sir Philip CRAVEN and Ronny ZIESMER this Innovation ; 2nd from left: Dr. Andreas NIEDEGGEN, who operated Ronny exactly five years ago...

Excellent impressions of the UKB
The high-ranked British guest was deeply impressed by what Ronny Ziesmer has gone through in his previous life;
by the high competence and expertise of the medical staff of the UKB; the logistical structure of this modern facility and its sophisticated technical possibilities.
The UKB was built only 12 years ago, and provides the best healthcare in various aspects of medicine and recovery.
For instance, the newly built Hangar for the UKB’s very own helicopter, was unveiled this week ...

Ziesmer, Craven: .. exchanging ideas

Craven, Ziesmer: ...historical discuss at a parallel bar

At the end of the extensive tour around the various departments revealing the outstanding services that this unique hospital can offer, a lively discussion and exchange of ideas followed.
Ronny ZIESMER addressed the question why, "his discipline" – Artistic Gymnastics, which is one of the most traditional sports in the Olympic program, as well as its younger offshoots, Rhythmic gymnastics and Trampoline, have not yet found a place in the prograpmme of the Paralympic Games.
He referred to the opportunities based on the experience of the British Gymnastics, who has developed the most advanced methodology, training and competition system for people with disabilities.
“Even if it didn’t relate to my own handicap, I would have supported strongly the idea about research, support and implementation of the British experience internationally.” said the former German National gymnast.

Sir Philip CRAVEN, with a Berlin mascott 'Buddy', met also the President of the Federal Republic of Germany, Mr. Horst KÖHLER at the International Paralympic Day in Berlin

Ronny Ziesmer – Patron of the Paralympic future of Gymnastics
Thus, the former Artistic gymnast, pleads that the British GMPD model should be implemented by the German Gymnastics Union (DTB) and the other Gymnastics Governing Bodies throughout the world.
The first stage to this, in fact, should be the Training camp at the Federal Training Centre for High Performance in Kienbaum, when around 50 people from British Gymnastics will come, 9th - 13th November, shortly after this year’s World Artistic Gymnastics Championships in London. The DTB has demonstrated spontaneous support to this initiative, with the Gymnastics Association of Berlin offering partnership in using this opportunity to organize a big congress for Coaches and Exercise leaders, during the joint workshops with the British guests.

Sir Philip CRAVEN received with big interest the British Gymnastics GMPD Developing Plan, handed to him by Ronny ZIESMER – a Plan revealing BG experience and the way forward for Gymnastics and Movement for People with Disabilities.
* Eckhard HERHOLZ, GYMmedia INTERNATIONAL
- translated by British Gymnastics