FOBISIA GYMNASTICS INVITATIONAL 2022

Rebecca Maw-Dzatkowski

Head of Gymnastics Academy, Bangkok Patana School

When Bangkok Patana School volunteered to host the FOBISIA Gymnastics Invitational 2022, the hosting conditions were unclear, and we were unsure whether COVID-19 restrictions would impact the event. However, after successfully adapting the FOBISIA Gymnastics Invitational 2021 to an online format, we were confident that we could take on the challenge of organising the 2022 event in a constantly changing landscape. The FOBISIA Gymnastics Invitational 2022 brought together just shy of 400 gymnasts from 12 international schools across South East Asia. The gymnasts participated in a 3-day event, enabling gymnasts to compete in individual and team categories in Women’s Artistic Gymnastics (WAG) Level 2 - Level 8 and Men’s Artistic Gymnastics (MAG) Level 1 - Level 6. The following schools joined:

Australian International School - Singapore

Bangkok International Preparatory and Secondary School

Bangkok Patana School

British School Jakarta

Harrow International School Bangkok

International School Bangkok

NIST, Bangkok

Shrewsbury International School, Bangkok

Riverside

Singapore International School Bangkok

St Andrew's International School Bangkok

The British School Manila

United World College of South East Asia - East

On Thursday 24th November, Bangkok Patana School transformed its sports hall into an impressive 3-court gymnastics arena! An army of movers, trucks and trollies arrived after school and began the task of dismantling the gymnastics hall and relocating the equipment. Eight hours later, the process was complete, and we were ready to welcome visiting schools to the FOBISIA Gymnastics Invitational 2022!

Friday 25th November, was the first day of the event. The entire day was dedicated to podium training, enabling the participating international schools to visit the competition arena during their allotted time. Podium training is an essential part of gymnastics meets as it allows the gymnasts to get used to the different equipment; the uneven bars may be rougher on the gymnasts’ hands, the sprung floor may be less forgiving on landings, and the rebound of the springboards may provide less flight. Therefore, podium training allows the gymnasts to experience the equipment and physically and mentally prepare for the competition.

Saturday 26th November kicked off with a bang, welcoming 105 WAG level 2 gymnasts! This category was the largest session in the competition. Additionally, as this was the first international gymnastics competition since before the pandemic, it was also the first-ever international competition for many of the new Level 2 gymnasts. Bangkok Patana School also welcomed spectators into the arena, which was also a first for many new gymnastics Mums and Dads! The second session to take place was the WAG Level 3 gymnasts, bringing together 79 gymnasts and the final session on Saturday consisted of the WAG Level 4 gymnasts, bringing together 41 gymnasts. Throughout the day, the gymnasts put on a spectacle, performing across all apparatus and receiving scores from the Thai National judges.

On Sunday 27th November, we welcomed both MAG and WAG categories, beginning with MAG Level 1 and Level 2 gymnasts, alongside the WAG Level 4.5 and Level 5 gymnasts. Sunday morning saw 109 gymnasts compete simultaneously across six different levels - the atmosphere in the arena was electric, with many spectators cheering along from the stands! The final sessions on Sunday consisted of the MAG Level 3 - Level 6 and WAG Level 6Level 8 gymnasts, bringing together 50 high-level gymnasts from across South East Asia. These gymnasts brought their A-game and fought hard through difficult skills and new routines to claim the podium places!

As always with competitions, there were some highs but also some lows; however, one of the most powerful lessons learnt through the sport of gymnastics is that gymnasts must persevere through failure before experiencing success. The strength it takes to fall, get back up, and try again is a skill that will serve gymnasts well throughout their lives.

An event this size takes a village, and wouldn’t have been possible without the hard work and dedication of the Bangkok Patana staff. Additionally, I would like to thank Sikarin hospital for sponsoring the medical team, the Thai National Gymnastics Association for officiating the event and the Chula University assistants.

Congratulations to all podium winners! Medaling at an event this size is an impressive achievement. Additionally, well done to all participating gymnasts who showed up and did their best on the day. Finally, it was a pleasure to welcome all participating gymnasts, coaches, and parents to Bangkok Patana School, and we look forward to seeing you at future events.