Groups from more than 50 countries presented at the 17th World Gymnaestrada, which was held in Amsterdam from July 30 to August 5, 2023.
The Bohemka Rhythmic Gymnastics program that travelled to Amsterdam contains participants from Esterhazy, Stockholm, Round Lake, Tantallon and Langenburg.
15 gymnasts from the area attended and were coached by Denae Woytas, Jennifer Schwitzer and Amanda Godwin.
Denae, Jennifer and Amanda were also able to participate with Team Saskatchewan Gymnaestrada (TSG) with the girls at the event. Woytas explained, “It was a pretty incredible moment. To coach this group of kids for 8 years and then to perform alongside them was pretty special. Jenn and Amanda were able to perform alongside their daughters”.
Erin Sabo and Mattison Fiala help coach the team back home in Esterhazy as well.
Coach Denae Woytas said, “We had 15 participants from Bohemka who travelled for the event. These participants were part of a larger group called Team Saskatchewan Gymnaestrada, which included participants from all over Saskatchewan”.
Speaking about the travel and arrangements, Woytas informed, “The travel was great, many of our gymnasts flew with family to and from the event. When the event started the gymnasts were released to the team and stayed with the team for the week. Our accommodations were at St. Nicolaaslyceum School where gymnasts were assigned to a classroom they called home for the week”.
While at an international event, it is imperative to sight-see while the chance is available. Most of the team time was dedicated to gymnastics and the event, but the group still had time to embrace the city and country.
“We were able to do a countryside tour where we learned about Dutch cheese, shoes and windmills. We also attended the Anne Frank Museum and toured the secret annex that provided a sobering experience into our world’s historical past”.
World Gymnaestrada can be explained as the largest general gymnastics exhibition there is. Similar to the Olympics, the event is held every four years. However, the focus of this event is not on winning medals but instead Group Performances. Adults and children of every age and description perform. Countries from around the world come together to showcase their talent and the culture of their various countries. The choreography is designed both to challenge the participants and to delight audiences. Routines are performed at various venues within the host country. Large group routines are known as “mass routines” which involve hundreds of gymnasts. The mass routines are often performed in large stadiums where spectators can take in routines performed by gymnasts from all over the world.
Speaking about the performances, Woytas mentioned, “Throughout the event we attended many afternoon performances but the evening shows always present some of the best group gymnastics you will see. We attended the Japan and Nordic evening as well as the FIG Gala which is typically the highlight of the week. Here, 20 countries performed their best acts. Every continent and form of gymnastics was represented and we saw some very high level artistry”.
“One of our proudest moments was the day our Bohemka gymnasts performed their city routine (‘Lost in the Rhythm’). City performances occur throughout the week-long event somewhere in the city and are open to the public. Bohemka was granted the opportunity to perform at Vondelpark on an open air stage. We were so proud of the girls for flawlessly executing their routine and representing our community on an international stage”.
When asked about the future plans for the club, Denae said, “Each season brings a new dream and opportunity for growth. We are a group that continues to strive in creating opportunities for girls to experience gymnastics outside of Esterhazy and the surrounding area. This year we are including a second weekly class for the majority of our participants which will allow for increased skill development. We are also excited to be welcoming Melinda Irvine to our club this year who will help us work with the girls on strength training and dance skills”.
The next World Gymnaestrada will take place in Lisbon, Portugal in 2027.
Coach Woytas mentioned, “We will definitely be attending the next World Gymnaesteada. Preparations will include fundraising and preparing our gymnasts for performance at this level. An event like this not only requires physical readiness but requires emotional and mental preparedness to be successful. The two years leading up to the event allows gymnasts to mentally and physically prepare through training camps and which leads to a lot of emotional growth for our gymnasts”.
In all, no fewer than 487 groups performed in Amsterdam between July 30 and Aug. 5. Dance, acrobatics and gymnastics came together on twelve stages in the RAI, the Olympic Stadium and the Vondelpark. The event was able to flourish with assistance from 375 volunteers.
Sponsors of the Bohemka Rhythmic Gymnastics program include Platinum Sponsors – Crushrite Concrete, Gerry the Painter, Commercial Sandblasting and Painting and the Esterhazy Lions Club. Gold Sponsors – Wolseley Industrial, Nel Dental P.C. Inc., Ritchie Bros. Auction, Bock & Company Law Office, Crete-Tek Contracting Ltd., NMK Optometry and Royal Canadian Legion Branch No. 249. Silver Sponsors – Twin Valley Veterinary Services, Bridgeview Manufacturing/Hrushka Farms, Esterhazy Family Foods, Peter Carscadden Funeral Services, Prairie Strong Chartered Accountants and Pharmasave.
The club and gymnasts would like to thank all members of the community and the sponsors for their outpouring of support over the years. Woytas added, “Creating these opportunities would be impossible without them”.