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Leipzig, 2002
Memories of Leipzig
 "Memories,
memories....." days filled with spirited
 competition
and true camaraderie. Dressed in our red and white of
A.T.N.Y. with an American Flag neck scarf donning each,
we assembled in Leipzig to march in a parade that began
the Turnfest. It made one proud to be a part of the more
than 100,000 people waiting for the sports to begin.
 Sunday
a.m. brought us to the old Turnfest museum that is being
restored since the Russian Invasion. We were each given
a reprint of the "Das
Deutche Turnfest in Leipzig 1863" and we toasted one
another with champagne. That evening, the gala opening
show at the sports forum left each and all anxious for
the events in track and field (Running, Long Jump, Short
Put, Ball Throw and Hurlball) as well as, swimming and
volleyball to begin.
Riding the tram, and walking through
endless fields, while surrounded with friends, brought
many a cheer and respect for the effort put in, that was
so easy to see. Volleyball competition with our ladies
and men finished on Thursday with a well-deserved
thundering cheer for each, and all.
Friday evening brought us back to the unfinished arena,
trudging through grass, dirt paths and up and down stone
steps to the open stadium. It was soon forgotten when
the arm swinging and changing from all around the
bleachers pumped each and all for the unbelievable
pictured dream of what lay ahead for future gymnasts.
The evening ended back at our hotel with thousands
gathered outside in the Augustusplatz to watch a
spectacular fireworks display, along with, thunderous
spirited music filling the night air.
How do we thank Annette for all the
postings throughout the year? On arrival were all the
scheduled arrangements, tickets, daily plans and
suggestions, cheerful greetings, details on the bus tour
each day, and for just being one great lady, we salute
you!
At breakfast each day and every morning in Leipzig, one
would find our map-reader and interpreter pouring over
and figuring out the best trams to get us to the sport
events. All the information guides at the Port Authority
in N.Y. have nothing on him. He always did it with his
placid smile. That's our own Holger Asmus.
Last but not least, to Peter and Marianne Ludwig - a
very special never to be forgotten trip. Thanks for the
group picture, for the surprise lunch on the Baltic
Cruise ship, for the tickets to the final show and for
the wonderful and meaningful tours and hotels that you
made possible for us.
Rosemary Steiner
The above
text was taken from a larger report that included events
of the week following the Turnfest. Rosemary's
complete article text is available at
www.liturners.com
and was copied from an article she wrote for the ATNY
Newsletter. More photos of the events of the
Leipzig Turnfest are also available there.
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