2016 Belgian Championships: all you need to know!

After some great (and amazing and historical) results on the international stage, it's time to bring back our gymnasts in Belgium for the National Championship. And this year's edition will be huge!

 

Credit: GymFed

Not only there will be artistic gymnastics, but also rhythmic, trampoline, tumbling and acrobatic gymnastics! It is the first time (I think) such a huge event is organised in Belgium. As I am not an expert in the other disciplines (not that I am an expert in artistic gymnastics either, but I know a bit more about it), I'll only talk about Juniors and Seniors artistic gymnasts competing this weekend.

 

First thing to know, the Women's team that was sent to Rio for the Test Event won't compete this weekend. Same goes for the alternates/injured gymnasts. But Team BelGYM will be in Ghent for a special meet and greet with the fans on Saturday at 8pm. There will be 5 gymnasts competing for the title: Dorien Motten, Adelia Galofaro, Estelle Pitti, Laura Aerts and Chloé Beha.

 

On the Men's side, the competition will be fierce between the 2015 Belgian champion Jimmy Verbaeys, recent World Cup medallist Maxime Gentges, 2015 World team member Bram Louwije and Daan Kenis. National team members Dennis Goossens, Siemon Volkaert, Kristof Schroé, Florian Landuyt, Jonathan Vrolix, Luka Vanden Keybus, Aaron Blomme and Jonas Baert will be there, as well as Yurek Van Eetvelt. This competition will serve as a selection test for the upcoming European Championships.

 

On the Juniors' side on the other hand, the teams for Euros are known and the Belgian Championships will serve as a preparation competition. The women's gymnasts competing for the title are Maellyse Brassart, Chloé Leblicq, Rinke Santy, Myrthe Potoms, Britt Vanneste, Manon Muller, Imke Wolthuizen, Alysha Senders and Meredith Van Deyck.

 

The battle for the National title also promises a great show on the men's side, with Takumi Onoshima, Lukas Fickers and Ruben Marx fighting for gold. But let's not forget Mattis Bouchet, Justin Pesesse and Liam De Smedt. Noah Kuavita, Jonas Delvael and Iliaz Pyncket won't compete this weekend.

 

When?

Saturday 7 May: from 9am to 9pm

Sunday 8 May: from 9am to 7pm

 

Where?

BLOSOHAL GENT
Zuiderlaan 14
9000 Gand

 

Entrance fee

1 day:
- Non members: €10
- Members: €8Weekend:
- Non-members: €18
- Members: €15
Free entrance for children of 6 years old or less

 

Note that there will be no livestream. I'll be there as a volunteer for the GymFed and I'll try to be multi-tasking and update the Twitter feed and Facebook page as much as I can.

 

Saturday's programme here

Sunday's programme here

 

Practical information on GymFed and FfG websites