M L
WORLD GYMNASTICS CHAMPIONSHIPS GET CREATIVE
With 500 days to go until the FIG World Gymnastics Championships 2022 begin in Liverpool , Championship organisers are embracing the city region ’ s creativity with a new competition and ambassador .
New ambassador Paul Curtis is the Liverpool City Region Artist of the Year , whose works have quickly become Liverpool icons . ‘ For All Liverpool ’ s Liver Birds ’ on Jamaica Street is one of the most photographed spots in the area , and his work also includes beloved murals for all three of the city region ’ s football clubs , the Abbey Road crossing on Grafton Street and bespoke work for restaurants , theatres and bars .
He joins Olympians Beth Tweddle MBE and Max Whitlock MBE in supporting the Championships , which will be one of the largest international sporting events ever to be held in the city . A total of 550 gymnasts from 75 countries will compete in the global event at the M & S Bank Arena , which takes place from 29 October until 6 November 2022 .
Paul is also spearheading a competition for people to creatively reimagine the Championship ’ s logo , the ‘ Worldpool ’. Entrants have free rein to interpret it how they like ; paint it in wild colours , make a crossstitch version , or even bake a ‘ Worldpool ’ cake , there are no limits . The winning artwork will be displayed at the event , and the creator will be rewarded with accommodation in Liverpool , provided by INNSiDE Liverpool , and four tickets for the Apparatus Women ’ s and Men ’ s Finals .
The winner will be picked by a creative panel of judges including ambassadors Max Whitlock MBE and artist Paul Curtis , head of audiences at Tate Liverpool , Jemima Pyne , and designer Martin Boath – part of the team behind the Championship ’ s brand .
For your chance to win head to : http :// 2022worldgymnastics . com / worldpool
Paul Curtis said : “ Creativity is a fundamental element in Liverpool ’ s character . That creativity comes in many forms – visual expression , musical talent , or through athletic achievements . I ’ m very proud to be supporting this fantastic event , which will attract the greatest gymnasts around the world to our famous waterfront and can ’ t wait to see how people reimagine the Worldpool for the competition .”
Max Whitlock MBE said : “ I think all gymnasts have a strong creative side , which drives them to express themselves in competition . I certainly do , which is why I ’ m delighted to be involved in judging this competition . The excitement is in how open the brief is ; I don ’ t have any idea what kind of entries we will receive , and what avenues people will choose to explore .”
Gemma Williams Fox , event director at World Gymnastics Championships Liverpool 2022 , said : “ This is the next step on our journey to getting people involved with the Championships . An event like this doesn ’ t just take place over nine days , the build-up and legacy are equally important . When looking at the ambassadors we wanted to have , we knew that someone who encapsulated creativity was one of them ; and who better in Liverpool than Paul Curtis , whose artwork is so visible and beloved of locals and visitors .”
Liverpool City Council ’ s Cabinet Member for Culture and Visitor Economy , Councillor Harry Doyle , said : “ It ’ s a milestone moment that we have just 500 days to go until the world ’ s best gymnasts head to Liverpool to compete . As a city we have become so used to proudly hosting events of this calibre , however after more than a year of the industry coming to an unexpected standstill , the expectation and excitement around this event is sure to grow . It ’ s fantastic that Paul Curtis has been named as an ambassador and launched this competition , and as this city is a hot-bed of creative talent I ’ m sure the judging panel will be spoilt for choice when it comes to picking a winner .” merseylife . com 13