In the international gymnastics landscape, COMEGYM – Mediterranean Gymnastics Confederation represents a truly unique reality.
It is the only confederation in the world capable of connecting three continents — Europe, Africa, and Asia — bringing together different cultures, languages, and sporting traditions within a shared Mediterranean vision.
From grassroots development to elite pathways, COMEGYM creates a common space where men’s and women’s artistic gymnastics, rhythmic gymnastics, and aerobic gymnastics coexist and grow together.
The 2025 edition marked a historic milestone, with a record number of participating athletes and over 20 countries represented, confirming the growing strength and relevance of the Mediterranean gymnastics movement.
This growth is the result of the work of leaders and representatives whose experience, vision, and daily commitment make strong and continuous cooperation possible.

 

The leadership of COMEGYM

Sofiane Zahi – President (Algeria)
 A historic figure in Mediterranean gymnastics, Sofiane Zahi has been one of the main driving forces behind COMEGYM for years. For a long time President of the Algerian Gymnastics Federation, he has played a decisive role in the development of the discipline in the region. His extensive leadership experience and deep understanding of the Mediterranean context remain central to shaping the Confederation’s strategic vision and institutional continuity.

Cristina Casentini – 1st Vice President (Italy)
 A key name in international gymnastics governance, Cristina Casentini brings to COMEGYM strong institutional experience and a long-term vision focused on development, education, and international cooperation. She is also Vice President of the Aerobic Gymnastics Committee of World Gymnastics (the new FIG brand) and Head of International Relations of the Italian Gymnastics Federation, strengthening the bridge between the Mediterranean movement and international structures.

İsmail Göktekin – 2nd Vice President (Türkiye)
 Representing one of the fastest-growing gymnastics movements in the region, İsmail Göktekin contributes with strategic vision and operational experience, supporting the expansion and organizational strengthening of COMEGYM. Through his role, he promotes the sharing of effective development models made available to Mediterranean and associated federations.

Yiğit Ersoy – Secretary General (Türkiye)
 The operational core of COMEGYM, Yiğit Ersoy ensures institutional continuity, coordination among member federations, and the concrete implementation of decisions. His role is essential in turning strategic vision into structured and sustainable action.

 

Members representing Mediterranean diversity

Christodoulos Photiou – Member (Cyprus)
 Representing a strategically positioned federation in the Mediterranean, Christodoulos Photiou, Secretary General of the Cyprus Gymnastics Federation, contributes to dialogue and interregional cooperation, supporting COMEGYM’s mission to strengthen institutional ties at both regional and international levels.

Vesna Radonić – Member (Montenegro)
 President of the Montenegro Gymnastics Federation and member of the Rhythmic Gymnastics Technical Committee of European Gymnastics, Vesna Radonić plays a significant role in the development of gymnastics in the Balkan area. Within COMEGYM, she brings technical expertise and institutional leadership, strengthening the presence of the Balkans in the Mediterranean movement.

Konstantinos Pantazis – Member (Greece)
 Representing the tradition and talent of Greek gymnastics, Konstantinos Pantasiz brings deep expertise in sports governance and lifelong sport development. Holding a PhD in Sport Organization and Management, involved since 2012 in Olympic ceremonial coordination, and a member of the FIG World Age Society Group, he offers a perspective that connects tradition, education, and innovation, with particular attention to Gymnastics for All.

Manal Al Shalakany – Member (Egypt)
 A key reference point for North Africa, Manal Al Shalakany is a former member of the Egyptian national rhythmic gymnastics team, an international judge, and a former board member of the Egyptian federation. Founder of her own sports company, she established MVP Gymnastics Club and Tip Top Gymnastics Academy, promoting inclusion and excellence. At the same time, she is a lawyer and Corporate Legal Director, combining professional expertise with sporting passion.

Shatha Bandak – Member (Jordan)
 Representing the Middle East within COMEGYM, Shatha Bandak, Secretary General of the Jordan Gymnastics Federation, contributes to strengthening dialogue and cooperation among federations, consolidating the Confederation’s unique intercontinental identity.

 

Financial governance and sustainability

Treasurer of the COMEGYM structure, Francesco Musso (Italy) ensures financial transparency, sustainability, and long-term planning—essential elements for the stability and growth of an international confederation.

 

A Confederation built on unity

COMEGYM is much more than an organizational structure.
 It is a platform for exchange, cooperation, and growth, where federations with different histories, cultures, and resources come together under a shared Mediterranean identity.
 By connecting continents, disciplines, and generations, COMEGYM continues to demonstrate that gymnastics grows when cultures meet, when knowledge is shared, and when people build bridges, not boundaries.

With the next COMEGYM event scheduled for later this year, the Confederation aims to further expand participation, welcoming an increasing number of countries and disciplines into an ever-growing Mediterranean gymnastics community.

 

Article and photos by Silvana Conte