National Gymnastics Day

National Gymnastics Day is a holiday dedicated to the sport of gymnastics. Celebrated annually on the third Saturday in September, it was first held in the late 1990s. The main goal of the holiday is to attract more people to do gymnastics and make this sport even more popular.

History

It is believed that gymnastics appeared in ancient Greece. It was used for health promotion, treatment, and the initial training of future warriors. The name comes from the Greek word “gymnasium,” which translates as “exercise.” Gymnastics was of great importance in the preparation of Olympic athletes.

In Europe, gymnastics began to develop only during the Renaissance. This was due to the Christian religion, which forbade the passion for any gymnastic exercises, believing that physical development did not contribute to spiritual growth. The development of gymnastics in Europe took place at the end of the 18th and the beginning of the 19th centuries. A little later, it began to spread to the United States. Many gymnastic elements were used during circus performances. Artistic gymnastics competitions were first held in Athens at the 1896 Summer Olympics.

In 1963, the United States Gymnastics Federation (USAG) was formed. Since then, American athletes have been active in the Olympics and other competitions.

Interesting facts

• Women were allowed to compete in gymnastics only in 1928.
• Ancient China and India also had gymnastics, but in the modern world, it is represented by two disciplines: wushu and yoga.
• Children are typically accepted into professional-level gymnastics classes between the ages of 5 to 8 years. As they grow older, their ligaments become less elastic, making many exercises difficult for teenagers and adults.

How to celebrate

On National Gymnastics Day, various events and exhibitions dedicated to this sport are held. Many gymnastic clubs offer free visits on this day so that those interested can try their hand at gymnastic exercises.

Gather your friends and watch the best performances of famous athletes. Additionally, consider providing financial support to children’s sports organizations. Don’t forget to create a post on social media and share information about this holiday with others.

When is National Gymnastics Day in 2024?

National Gymnastics Day is observed on the third Saturday of September each year.

Observations