When the world’s rhythmic gymnastics elite takes to the stage at Frankfurt’s Festhalle this summer, the focus will be on points, rankings, and titles. But anyone who only watches the competitive action will be missing out on a crucial part of these World Championships. Because alongside the action on the floor, other events are taking shape — designed to make the sport more visible and engage new audiences.
Lea Kuhl is one of the people working on exactly that. As project manager, she is responsible for the World Championships “side events”— in other words, everything that isn’t part of the elite competition itself. “We don’t just want to show competitions; we want to make the sport itself an experience,” she explains.
This experience begins even before the first routine is performed. As the final preparations wrap up at the Festhalle in August, delegations from around the world will already be gathering at the Gesellschaftshaus in the Palmengarten. Around 200 guests are expected there for the welcome dinner — a classic feature of international championships, which will officially kick off events in Frankfurt. From the very beginning, these World Championships are designed to make an impact both inside and outside the venue.
The opening ceremony follows this same concept. Rather than focus on speeches and official proceedings, it is Frankfurt itself that will take centre stage. The city will become part of the event, with its striking urban landscape and iconic skyscrapers set to enhance the gymnastics with a dynamic, modern backdrop. This overall concept is made possible by the support of the Federal Chancellery, the state of Hesse, and the City of Frankfurt. The reasoning behind this approach is clear: greater awareness is not generated solely through athletic achievements.
At no time will this be more evident than on Saturday evening, when the Festhalle will be transformed into an impressive performance stage. Under the title “Wonderful World of Gymnastics,” the German Gymnastics Federation will showcase one of the central themes of its work: shows and performances that shape identity and a sense of independence, alongside competitive sport. This is not just about performance in the classical sense, but about staging, expression, and the emotional power of gymnastics.
Various disciplines will be brought together in this artistic context, including group performances as well as contributions from recreational and competitive sports. In doing so, the German Gymnastics Federation builds on its strong tradition of gymnastics shows, which have been thrilling audiences for decades and serve as the connecting element between elite sports, club life, and social participation. The goal is to showcase the entire diversity of this sporting world — far beyond mere competition.
But the side events aren’t just about big-picture moments. They also focus on the small details. A Fan Zone is planned in front of the Festhalle, an open, interactive area for visitors. Children can try out new activities and test movements to experience their first taste of gymnastics. An obstacle course — the so-called “Turnwarrior” of the Hessian Gymnastics Association — is designed to playfully demonstrate what is possible in the world of gymnastics.
At the same time, another part of the programme is aimed at those who support the sport: coaches, clubs, and experts. The international nature of the World Championships means they can be used as a platform for workshops and discussion forums - an opportunity too good to waste.
All of this follows a clear idea: Rhythmic gymnastics should not only be watched, but better understood. Because despite major international success, it remains a niche sport in Germany. Attention often arises sporadically — such as during World Championships or the Olympic Games — and quickly fades again.
Kuhl is familiar with these dynamics. She has worked in the sports sector for many years and knows how short attention spans can be. That is precisely why she sees these World Championships as an opportunity — also for partners and sponsors. Formats like the Fan Zone offer the chance to engage directly with target audiences: a young, predominantly female crowd that is of interest to specific industries. Whether this leads to long-term partnerships remains to be seen, but at least the foundations are being laid.
For Frankfurt itself, the event is more than just a date on the sporting calendar. The city is once again positioning itself as a host of major international events, in this case the first time it has staged a World Championships in an Olympic sport. Locations like the Palmengarten or the area around the Festhalle are being deliberately incorporated into the event thanks to close collaboration between the city and the organising committee. The World Championships are meant to be visible — and not just to ticket holders.
In the end, the success of the side events won’t be measured by individual programme items, but rather by what remains after they are done. “People shouldn’t just have watched competitions, but experienced the sport,” says Kuhl.
If visitors go home taking more with them than just results — perhaps a feeling, a new perspective, or simply the desire to come back — then these World Championships will have achieved their goal. Not just as sporting success, but a sustainable future beyond.
