BY OBAKENG MAJE
Madibogo- An 18-strong team from rural Madibogo village in the North West Province is gearing itself for the world stage as they fly off to Helsinki (Finland) on July 9 to participate in the World Gymnaestrada Festival.

The event is scheduled to run from July 12-18.

The youth will be participating in the event as part of Team South Africa at the 15th edition of the world showpiece.

Culture, Arts and Traditional Affairs MEC, Tebogo Modise will be accompanying the Bokone Bophirima youth, with Bokone Bophirima Premier Supra Mahumapelo at the airport to bid the group farewell.

The World Gymnastraeda attracts around 25 000 participants from 54 countries.

This year’s theme is “Make The Earth Move”.

Gymnastraeda is a version of gymnastics that incorporates dance and music.

The same group, Madibogo Ice Entertainment Club, also took part in the last event in 2011.

The Modibogo youth qualified for the world event after a selection at a competition in Gauteng last November. The North West team is made up of 11 men and nine women.

MEC Modise said she was impressed with the achievement of the youth from Madibogo.

“This is great for our youth in the Province,” said Mme Modise.

“It goes to show that with determination and focus, one can reach one’s goals, irrespective of background.

“I am proud of the achievement of these young people as they set an example for their peers not only in the Province, but the whole country as well. The Department supports them fully.”

The event is a non-competition festival that is a flagship programme of both the South African Gymnastics Federation (SAGF) and the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG). The programme is part of Gymnastics For All’s (GFA) quest to provide physical movement and music to enhance a healthy lifestyle, as part of recreation.
-TDN
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