Paula Espínola, president of the Paraguayan Gymnastics Federation, has highlighted the commitment and dedication of young athletes, as well as the progress in the different disciplines promoted by the federation, expanding both the scope and the level of Paraguayan gymnastics..
In an interview with ABC Cardinal 730 AM, she said: “You can see the commitment of the kids to training. They are gaining discipline in the process.”
Espínola also mentioned the perseverance of the younger players, who do not stop training despite the difficulties: “In all groups we have younger children who come to train even if they have the flu.”
Key disciplines in Paraguayan gymnastics
Paula highlighted two areas of gymnastics that are important for the development of the sport in Paraguay.
Rhythmic gymnastics: Discipline, art and sacrifice
The FPG president stressed the importance of ballet as a complement for rhythmic gymnasts. “Ballet classes for rhythmic gymnasts are compulsory for girls, we have teachers in the Federation for them,” she explained.
She also praised the collective effort behind the costumes: “For the costumes we generally rely on people who work with dance. In South America, we see that the mothers themselves sew the little stones on their daughters’ costumes.” Despite the economic challenges, Espínola said: “Paying for a sport is always an investment.”
The growth of parkour in Paraguay
Espínola also highlighted the incorporation of parkour as a new discipline in the Federation. “We started with parkour last year,” he said. “There are mandatory jumps that must be done in parkour, we are growing in that discipline,” she added.
Referring to the urban nature of this sport, she said: “Because parkour is more urban, it is more relaxed for people.”
She also recalled a key moment for the Federation: “It’s great, just last year the Japanese Federation invited us to go to the parkour world championship and do it in Paraguay. We were with the General Secretary and it was fantastic – and we said ‘we’re going to be able to do this in Paraguay no matter what’.”
With these initiatives, the Paraguayan Gymnastics Federation seeks to consolidate its growth, promoting both traditional disciplines and new sports trends.
Get involved with Paraguayan Gymnastics
If you or your children would like to get involved with gymnastics Paraguay, at any level, contact the Paraguayan Gymnastics Federation on Instagram.
