Head Over Heels For National Gymnastics Week January 18-24

OTTAWA , Jan. 15 /CNW/ - Gymnasts of all ages from coast to coast will be getting an upside-down look at the world on Saturday, January 23rd , when they share the experience of performing a handstand at precisely 2 PM , wherever they live in Canada , as part of National Gymnastics Week which runs from January 18-24.

Many other activities are planned at clubs across the country in a combined effort including Gymnastics Canada , 12-provincial/territorial federations and over 700 hundred clubs across Canada .

From recreational gymnastics programs all the way up to national teams in artistic gymnastics, rhythmic gymnastics and trampoline, Gymnastics Canada has over 200,000 individual members, including 20,000 competitive gymnasts and 7,500 certified coaches.

An astounding 30 million people are members of their country's gymnastics federation, making the sport one of the most popular in the world.

"There is room for everyone in this sport, from the recreational gymnast who participates just for fun, to the high performance international competitor who is drawn by the allure of a gold medal," says Gymnastics Canada CEO, Jean-Paul Caron of Ottawa .

"Gymnastics not only helps you improve your fitness, it also demands mental focus, and provides a great outlet for personal expression. You're never too young, or too old, to gain something positive from the sport."

Gymnastics is also recognized by the International Olympic Committee and Sport Canada as one of several "foundational sports" that form the basis of participation in many other sports.

/NOTE TO PHOTO EDITORS: A photo accompanying this release is available at http://photos.newswire.ca. Images are free to accredited members of the media/

For further information: Annie Gagnon - [phone] ext. 231