The World of Gymnastics

National Gymnastics Day was created in 1999 in the United States. The United States wanted to promote gymnastics. In 2011, the world record for the most handstands performed at the same time was set for 20,478 people performing a handstand. Now, gymnastics clubs all around the world participate in the “Show your Salute” challenge at 1:00 p.m.  Bela Karolyi was the chairman of National Gymnastics Day in 1999-2001 along with Mary Lou Retton in 2001. The honorary chairs in 2002 were Kim Zmeskal, Peter Vidmar, Kurt Thomas, and Bela Karolyi. Bela Karolyi and Mary Lou Retton again were chairs in 2003. Bela Karoyli and Shannon Miller were chairs in 2004 and Bela Karolyi and Mary Lou Retton were chairs in 2005. In 2013, Gabby Douglas, Jonathon Horton, and Alicia Sacramone were chairs and Gabby Douglas and Jonathon Horton were chairs in 2014. Some years have themes. In 1999 and 2000, the theme was Get in the Gym. In 2001 and 2002, the theme was Gymnastics, A Great Foundation. In 2003 the theme was Begin Here. Go Anywhere. In 2006 Celebration of Fitness was the theme. The Year of the Handstand was the theme in 2011 when the world record was set. 2012’s theme was Turn the World Upside Down and 2013’s theme was “Show us how you play”.