Birmingham To Host European Congress

Over the last three decades Great Britain has hosted many major International gymnastics events but never an event of such magnitude and political importance - the UEG (European Union of Gymnastics) Congress, at the International Convention Centre (ICC) in Birmingham on 9th and 10th September 2005.

After having staged an exemplary World Cup Final in Artistic Gymnastics in December 2004, British Gymnastics and the Birmingham City Council are joining forces once again, to make the most of a great event.

Staging the Congress will, without any doubt, add to Birmingham’s recognition as a sporting city that has over the last 12 years been much appreciated and acclaimed by the world of Gymnastics.

Councillor John Alden, Cabinet Member for Leisure Sport and Culture said: "We are delighted that Birmingham's ICC has been selected as the venue for the 2005 UEG Congress and I am looking forward to welcoming back the gymnastics fraternity to Birmingham, following our successful staging of the Artistic Gymnastics World Cup Final at the NIA last December. Events like this Congress help to reinforce Birmingham's premier position as a sporting city and also provides us with a valuable opportunity to showcase our conference facilities to the rest of the world."

The Congress will take place in Hall 4 of the ICC and it is expected that the majority of the 46 Member Federations will send their representatives to Birmingham.

Some of the most important issues on the agenda for the opening day, 9th September, are the changes in the Statutes of the UEG, while on Saturday, 10th September the voting for the President, Vice Presidents, Executive Committee members, Technical presidents and Chair of control will take place.

At the moment, British Gymnastics are very well represented in the UEG Authorities and it is to be hoped that all our candidates will be re-elected to their actual (or higher) positions:

Mr P Garber
Currently Member of the Executive Committee
Candidate for Vice President and the Executive Committee

Mr Laurie Colton
Currently President of the Acrobatic Gymnastics TC
Candidate for President and Member of Acrobatic TC

Mrs Lyn Fairbrother
Currently Member of Women's Artistic TC
Candidate for Member of Women's Artistic TC

Mr Graham Davies
Currently Vice President of the Aerobics TC
Candidate for Member of Aerobics TC

Mr Keith Hughes
Presently Member of the EuroGym Working Group
Candidate for Member of the EuroGym Technical Committee

Mr Roger Pittman
Candidate for Member of GG Committee

Mr Martin Laws
Candidate for Member of Trampoline TC

Programme of the Congress:

Friday, 9th Sept - Opening Ceremony followed by the Congress General Assembly
Saturday, 10th Sept - Congress Elections and Closure of the Congress

For more information, please contact Barbara Stephan
Tel: 01 952 822 331 - e-mail: Barbara.S@british-gymnastics.org