What an amazing moment: the Latin dance couple Svetlana Gudyno and Armen Tsaturyan from Russia transformed the press briefing room of the Main Media Centre into a dance floor. During a press conference on Friday, the two athletes showed some of their moves without music but with all of their heart, and entertained the spectators. IWGA President José Perurena was so impressed that he promised to attend all events in DanceSport, which start on Friday evening at the Centennial Hall.
And there was another moment to be remembered for the media representatives who attend the IWGA press conference conducted by IWGA Communications Director Anna Jacobson every day. On Thursday one of the volunteers stated:
“I will remember the athletes. Sport is not a job for them. Neither it is just a hobby. It is the way they live.”
This was proved yesterday when Armen Tsaturyan instructively danced was waiting for a cup of coffee. The athlete explained that he was exercising:
“Actually, I don’t recognize it anymore. So we don’t see or feel that we are dancing - it just happens. It’s a sense all coming from inside.”
But being an athlete at The World Games is not all about being relaxed and having a good time with The World Games family. For Svetlana Gudyno and Armen Tsaturyan the competition tomorrow will be the most important of the year. Becoming a World Games Champion means a lot to them and will be recognised by their country. ”We feel some pressure. All other athletes from our country have done their best to be prepared for The World Games. I feel that we dance a little bit more crazily to meet the expectations,” Armen Tsaturyan said. Gudyno added: “The level of this competition gives you a certain responsibility. You represent your country, you are part of an event that is not only about our sports. This is different to other DanceSport events.”
But there are some benefits being member of a multi-sport event: “When you meet the athletes in the street and see them wearing the uniforms of their country, that gives me a good feeling. I like it very much to be part of it, part of something bigger than our usual competitions.
Roland Hilfiker, Communications Director of Word DanceSport Federation, confirmed this from the perspective of an International Federation:
“For all sports, TWG is the most important event in a year. Same for us. We do our best to promote our sports. Being part of big multisport event gives us the opportunity to raise even more awareness. Asking the best couples is not an issue anymore. They want to compete in The World Games.”
He explained: “The three reigning champions of the Games 2013 in Cali will compete in Wroclaw. They want another gold medal.”
IWGA President José Perurena appreciated the efforts WDFS undertook to secure highest level of competition.
“That’s what we aim for - to guarantee the highest level in each competition. We recognize our federations as partners when it comes to meet these expectations. Fortunately we can rely on our partners. The DanceSport Federation gives a perfect example for this.”
