Delta Gymnastics Society’s staff members Chris Sheremeta and Thorstein Fischer recently traveled to Szombathely, Hungary to take part in the 2018 FIG World Challenge Cup as judging officials.
This was a great achievement for these Delta residents who were part of one of the most anticipated and impressive gymnastics events in the world.
For Sheremeta, who was invited by Gymnastics Canada to volunteer as a judge, it was a great opportunity.
“Being a part of the powerful atmosphere was very exciting,“ he said.
Sheremeta is an International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) Brevet Category III Judge and has put in a considerable amount of time and energy to reach this level.
“I believe that the judges were very much a part of the team. When we were there, we were at the trainings working with the athletes and coaches on how best to maximize their score and what the expectations were,” he explained.
Taking place at the Arena Savaria, the competition featured 118 athletes from over 25 countries.
Fischer recently earned his International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) Brevet Judging Category III Certification.
“For athletes from Canada this provides a great opportunity to get experience and exposure on the international stage and to really make a name for themselves,” said Fischer. “The Olympic Champion on parallel bars and No. 2 All-Around at 2016 Rio’s Olympics was at this competition along with some other big names. This provided our athletes with the opportunity to network with them, build relationships and learn.”
For judges, it’s also an intense learning experience.
Discussions go on between judges regarding the Code of Points (the rules); how it’s interpreted and what should be changed.
As Fischer explains “If you’re not there, you’re not part of the change and for Canada, if they’re not there, they’re not represented.”
Delta Gymnastics Society offers programs from infants to seniors at their Ladner facility year-round. For information of events, programs and activities visit www.deltagymnastics.com.
