Two exciting tournaments were held in Toronto, Canada on May 1-3, 2014: the 7th “Koop Cup” showcasing Rhythmic Gymnastics (RG) and the first ever “Four Continents Championships” in Aesthetic Rhythmic Gymnastics (AGG).
Koop Cup
The International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) tournament “Koop Cup” brought together gymnasts from eight countries this year, including Ukraine’s Sofia Manko and Estonia’s Carmel Kallemaa. Canada’s contingent included Iveta Milciute, Katerina Shimanski, Maya Kojevnikov and Stephanie Vilenkin.
The Koop Cup is named in honor of Evelyn Koop, the “godmother” of Rhythmic Gymnastics, who is widely credited with introducing the sport in North America. Over the years Evelyn Koop has drawn big names, including two-time Olympic champion Evgenia Kanaeva, who made an appearance in 2011.
Four Continents AGG Championships
Best AGG teams from America, Asia, Australia and Africa competed for the champion title. Eighteen groups from eight countries participated in the competitions. Four Canadian teams took part in this event; teams included: Paragon (from Kalev West), Jusco (from Jusco RGC), Northern Lights and Rhythmic Expressions (both from Kalev Estienne). “Rhythmic Expressions” group made history by finishing in the first place. The winning group included Rosanna Tso, Esther Chi, Alexandra Lukashova, Caitlin Chin, Malia Rimrott, Laura Käis, and Noella-Madlee Pärn.
