11 January 2010. International Consultant, Viktor Saaron has landed in Cape Town and will in the coming weeks facilitate various workshops round the country.

Viktor who hails from Estonia is the 1980 Estonian all-round champion in Artistic gymnastics. A former Executive Committee member of the European Gymnastics Union (UEG), Victor currently lectures at Tallinn University, in the Institute of Health Sciences and Sports. In 2006, he published an ‘Acrobatics Gymnastics Learning and Development Plan’ educational video and more recently in 2009, Viktor served as an evaluator of the 1st Gym for Life in Austria.

On Viktor’s arrival, Elizabeth Cameron Smith, CEO of the South African Gymnastics Federation said, ‘We are very fortunate to have a man of Victor’s calibre to impart his knowledge and experience to our athletes and coaches. We would like to encourage the gymnastics fraternity to embrace the opportunity and learn as much as they can during Viktor’s visit.’

Viktor will be in South Africa from 11 January till 6 February 2010, conducting workshops in Acrobatic Gymnastics, Trampoline Gymnastics, Artistic Gymnastics and Gymnaestrada. These workshops will be conducted in 4 Provinces i.e. the Western Cape, Eastern Cape, KwaZulu Natal and Gauteng.

The Estonian is enjoying South African and said it was his dream to visit the country. When asked what he would like to impart during his tour, Viktor said, “I would like to encourage the expression of South African culture in Gymnaestrada.” For the disciplines which will have workshops planned round the country, Viktor wishes to focus on ‘cleaner’ and more refined techniques.

SAGF members outside of these Provinces are welcome to attend any relevant workshops. The schedule of workshops can be found on the calendar section of the SAGF website. Please contact the relevant coordinator closet to your region, should you be interested in attending or require further information.

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Below: (Viktor Saaron (left) and his wife at the SAGF Offices)