15.07.2008
Belgium
Portugal
France
After the show - the party n(alcohol free!). Photo Alain Alabert
Success for the French TV staff
The EUROGYM in Albi ... is a 14th of July full of gymnastics
A great honour for the heads of delegation and the officials of EUROGYM – they were invited by the prefect of Tarn in the private gardens of the prefecture; the 4000 gymnasts assisted at the parade of the army and magnificent fireworks.
A memoty to the painter Toulouse Lautrec born in Albi.
PHoto: Alain Alabert
New form for the traditional garden party not at the Elysée in Paris but the prefecture of Albi. The important guests had the pleasure to assist at gymnastics’ demonstrations of three groups participating in EUROGYM. « This is the first time that we open the garden party to guests coming from somewhere else – but this evening we feel European and appreciate the presence in our city of young sportsmen and sportswomen coming from all over Europe” said the prefect of the Tarn departement, François Philizot, in his speech to the heads of delegation from 22 countries and the UEG and FFG officials.
The traditional parade of the army was followed, at nightfall, by magnificent fireworks lasting more than 30 minutes. Tens of thousands of spectators were on the bridges and the banks of the Tarn, among them most of the 4000 gymnasts. The oldest of them were perhaps allowed to participate in the traditional ball of the 14th of July.
During the day, the young gymnasts participated in different workshops. Many groups presented themselves on the 5 platforms, in sfive places located in the old city to the great pleasure of the numerous spectators.
The same program will be proposed until Thursday evening.
Wednesday evening will take place a big gymnastics Gala.
D. Duchoud/UEG