Russian Rhythmic Gymnastics Federation facts for kids

The Russian Rhythmic Gymnastics Federation (which in Russian is called Vserossiyskaya federatsiya khudozhestvennoy gimnastiki) was the main group that managed and organized rhythmic gymnastics in Russia. Think of it like the boss of rhythmic gymnastics in the country! It helped train athletes and set up competitions.

On October 1, 2024, this federation joined with four other Russian gymnastics groups. They all came together to form a new, bigger organization called the Russian Gymnastics Federation.

History of the Federation

How It Started

The very first version of this organization was called the All-Russian Rhythmic Gymnastics Federation. It began way back in 1963. This group was part of the larger Rhythmic Gymnastics Federation of the Soviet Union. Its main job was to get athletes ready for big international competitions. This was especially true for those from the Russian SFSR.

The current Russian Rhythmic Gymnastics Federation was officially created in 1991. A special meeting to start it happened in Ivanovo on September 12, 1991.

Leaders of the Federation

Later, in 2001, the federation was reorganized. Sergei Yastrzhembsky, who was an adviser to the President of Russia, became the president of the organization. He served for two terms. In December 2008, Irina Viner, who was already the head coach of the national team, was chosen as president. She held both important jobs until the federation merged in 2024.

The Russian Rhythmic Gymnastics Federation was officially recognized by the Russian Ministry of Sport. This meant it was the country's official governing body for rhythmic gymnastics.

International Competitions and Rules

After certain events in 2022, the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) made some changes. They decided that Russian athletes and officials, including judges, could not take part in their events. Also, all FIG World Cup and World Challenge Cup events that were planned for Russia were cancelled. No other FIG events would be held in Russia for a while. The FIG also banned the Russian flag and anthem at its events.

Similarly, European Gymnastics announced in March 2022 that athletes, officials, and judges from Russia could not participate in any of their events. They also removed all events planned for Russia from their calendar.

Major Events Organized

The Russian Rhythmic Gymnastics Federation used to organize several important rhythmic gymnastics competitions in Russia. These included:

Who Ran the Federation

Here are some of the key people who helped run the Russian Rhythmic Gymnastics Federation:

• Irina Viner — President
• Andrey Guryev — First Vice President
• Mikhail Kusnirovich — Vice President
• Natalia Kuzmina — Vice President
• Irina Tchachina — Vice President
• Evgenia Kanaeva — Vice President
• Tatyana Kolesnikova — Vice President
• Aleksandr Bryksin — Vice President
• Irina Tsaryova — Executive Director
• Tatiana Gorbunova — Executive Secretary

See also

• Russian Artistic Gymnastics Federation