 The
Estonian Sports Club Kalev (!) in Tallinn celebrated its anniversary of 100
years with about 100 competitions and contests in 32 sports.
The games were opened by a huge event of 6,000 gymnasts and folk
dancers at the Kalev Central Stadium.
It was a fascinating
experience from many points of view. The rich history and traditions
of the country is illustrated by the medieval buildings in the "Old
Town" and the famous "Song Grounds" (where the so-called "Singing
Revolution" took place when Estonia freed itself from the former
Soviet Union), and was also seen in the parade and demonstrations
of gymnastics and folk dancing during the "Kalev 100" celebrations,
both in the opening ceremonies and the Gala performance (in which
our girls took part).
It was equally fascinating
to see the progress the Estonian people have made in just a few
years with the help of foreign investments and their own hard work
and determination. Old buildings are being renovated and new ones
built, including two "sky scrapers": one being the head office of
a bank, the other the newly opened hotel ("Olympia") where the team
was staying.
As for the AGG Worlds competition,
there were 20 teams from 8 countries. Winners was "Club Piruett"
from Estonia, in which team Tuulika
Mölder, a former Kalev coach, was a member. (Another
Estonian group, GC Janika, was coached by a former Kalev coach: Janika Mölder.)
Groups from Finland placed 2nd and 3rd. In these countries,
"Aesthetic Gymnastics" has existed for many years and some of the
competitors began training in this sport at age 6! Canada has some
catching up to do. Of the four participating Canadian teams,
The Expressions came closest (13th) with a routine choreographed
by Dmitri Begak from Russia, but, in spite of strong efforts, none
of the Canadians qualified for the Finals.
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1998-2012 K Wadsten
