The young, enthusiastic gymnasts from six countries (Russia, Belgium, Slovenia, Serbia, Cyprus and Greece) and from a total of 30 gymnastics clubs shared the spotlight with the artistic gymnastics legends and made special the opening day of the 1st International Tournament “Horizon Cup”, on Saturday, November 10th.

Some 90 junior gymnasts, aged between 11 and 14, showd their skills and their ambition at the “Ioannis Melissanidis” Sports Hall of Thessaloniki, where the Opening Ceremony served as a connection between the glorious past and the promising future of Gymnastics:

Russian legend Yuri Korolev, nine-time World Champion of the ‘80s and current coach at “Nikolai Tolkachev” Gymnastics School of Vladimir city, received a special award given by his former pupil and long-time friend Ioannis Melissanidis, the 1996 Olympic champion who has that specific sports hall named under himself.
The Vice-Governor of Metropolitan Division of Thessaloniki – Central Macedonia Region, mrs. Voula Patoulidou was also there, to honor mr Korolev, as were the President of the Organizing Committee and of the host AESGVE, mr. Christos Psathas and the President of the Hellenic Gymnastics Federation and Vice-President of the UEG, mr. Athanasios Vasiliadis.

“Horizon Cup” is organized by AESGVE (Athletic Gymnastics Clubs Union of Northern Hellas), with the support of the Hellenic Gymnastics Federation and the Central Macedonia Region.

Boys born from 2004 to 2006 and girls born from 2005 to 2007 are participating in the tournament, which has also got some interesting Social Responsibility activities, in collaboration with the Organization “The Smile of the Child”.

The Opening Ceremony, which was spectacular and full of emotions:

Images from the Opening Ceremony and from Day 1 of the competition (photos by Sotiris Pagalos, spagalos.gr):