The local Club Excel Rhythmic Gymnastics World Gymnaestrada team will be leaving for Switzerland in less than a month.
This small group has been preparing for this prestigious performance event for several years.
In 2010, 14 members of the team, which totalled 20 at that time, travelled to Winnipeg and qualified to be part of the Canadian Team, made up of more than 500 gymnasts from all over Canada.
The 14th World Gymnaestrada begins on July 10 in Lausanne, Switzerland and the local team will perform several times throughout the week.
Led by Marisa Peter, national-accredited coach and longtime Bridge Lake resident, the performance team has decreased to nine performers, travelling from Kamloops and Lac la Hache and several points in between to practise once a week at the Bridge Lake School.
Five adult rhythmic dancers perform with four young gymnasts and all nine will share a stage in Lausanne with more than 20,000 performers consisting of the best gymnasts from around the world. Team members have received some funding from the BC Rhythmic Gymnastics Federation, local community groups and generous individuals to allow every member to make this trip. The hard-working gymnasts say they are grateful to everyone for their financial support and encouragement.
Final preparation for the trip includes ongoing rehearsals at the school, a public performance in Vancouver, and several fundraising events at the upcoming Bridge Lake Stampede on July 2.
