Rhythmic Gymnasts to kick off Commonwealth Games Action on Thursday

Glasgow, Scotland - Three Canadians will kick off the Gymnastics competition on Day 1 of the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland. The first day of international competition on July 24th will feature both the rhythmic gymnastics team final and individual qualifications, with the event being held at the Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre Precinct (SECC).

Patricia Bezzoubenko of Thornhill, Ont., will draw from her international experience to lead the Canadian women as they vye for their best performances, with sights on the Commonwealth podium. In 2013 Patricia just narrowly missed a spot in the all-around final at the World Championships placing 25^th; the top 24 advanced. Patricia is a three time Canadian junior all-around champion and two-time senior champion including her most recent 2014 title.

Montreal, Que.’s Maria Kitkarska registered her best world placing in 2010 when she finished 11^th at the 2010 Youth Olympic Games. Maria was second in the rhythmic all-around final this year at the Canadian Championships as well as at the Elite Canada Senior event. 

Annabelle Kovacs of Vancouver, B.C., took the bronze medal at the 2014 Canadian Championships and was one of only two Canadians to have qualified for the 2013 World Championships.

The Rhythmic individual all-around final will take place on Day 2 (July 25) with the Apparatus finals (Hoops, Ball, Clubs and Ribbon) on Day 3 (July 26).  Artistic Gymnastics will be starting on Monday July 28th,  through to August 1st.

For more information:

Rhythmic Gymnastics
Emily Hooper
Commonwealth Games Canada 
Rhythmic Gymnastics Team Media Attaché
ehooper@athletics.ca 
07913595980

Artistic Gymnastics
Sylvie Bigras
Commonwealth Games Canada
sylvie@magma.ca
07913595961