The city of Beijing, China, will host the International Rhythmic Gymnastics Open and the Sky International Rhythmic Gymnastics Cup from November 10th to 16th. For the first time, Congolese gymnasts will participate, thanks to the Russian Gymnastics Academy.
The Congo will be represented at the international rhythmic gymnastics event by two athletes: Davina Nkenko Sita and Céleste Malanda Mayinga. This is the result of close sports collaboration between the Congolese Gymnastics Federation and the Sky Grâce Foundation of Russian Olympic champion Alina Kabaeva.
To prepare, the Congolese gymnasts left Brazzaville on October 18th for Russia, specifically Sochi, to participate in a three-week high-level training camp before heading to Beijing.
“This international competition, coming at the right time, will allow the Congo to stand out internationally. Going to train in Sochi is very promising for us because Sky Grâce is the world’s largest rhythmic gymnastics academy. They have the appropriate training equipment and the necessary coaching expertise,” commented Céleste Malanda Mayinga.
Alina Kabaeva, a role model for the Congolese gymnasts
For several years, the Russian Olympic champion has provided fully-funded internship and training opportunities in Congo through her Foundation. Furthermore, the Africa Centrum Foundation works tirelessly for the development of Congolese gymnastics. “A new chapter is opening for Congolese rhythmic gymnastics, which will experience the high level through this first experience,” said the National Technical Director of the Congolese Gymnastics Federation.
This is a real challenge for Davina Nkenko Sita, who is only ten years old and has already won several medals in her category at the national level. Her most recent medal was on September 28th during the second edition of the Alina Kabaeva recognition tournament.