![Participants from Langa representing the Western Cape. Participants from Langa representing the Western Cape.](https://www.westerncape.gov.za/sites/www.westerncape.gov.za/files/participants_from_gugulethu_representing_western_cape.jpg)
On 11 July 2013 Dr Ivan Meyer, Western Cape Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport officially opened the The Second World Gym for Life Challenge at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC).
The concept of this contest is inclusive of all persons, all gymnastics disciplines and all levels. It was hosted in various venues, including outdoor centres and community centres in the Western Cape. This international mass participation of 70 groups with 1500 gymnasts happened outside of Europe for the first time.
It showcased unique visual entertainment by contestants from 20 different countries, amongst which gymnasts from South Africa, Russia, Switzerland, Germany, Norway, USA and Uzbekistan, etc. 16 of the groups were selected for the final gala evening and the Austrians were crowned as World Group Champions on 14 July 2013.
Members of the South African Gymnastics Federation cooperated with the City of Cape Town, the Western Cape Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport (DCAS), Sport and Recreation South Africa and the National Lottery to put South Africa on the global map once again.
For the 283 Western Cape participants, this challenge has contributed to the growth and development of this sport in the province and in South Africa. DCAS encourages excellence and inclusivity in order to unite people through sport and to ensure a creative and active Western Cape.
Daniel Johnson
Spokesperson for the Minister
Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport
Tel: 021 483 3261
E-mail: Daniel.Johnson@westerncape.gov.za