Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Gymnastics Cartwheeling Over To Social Media

Over the years, we, as a society, have started getting glued to our phones, laptops and other technological devices. Soon after this technological shift, a new and innovative form of socialization surfaced, social media. Sites like Facebook and Twitter came into the world and allowed new ways for people to communicate, share interests, news and stories. For most, social media eases rapid communication between loved ones and friends close to you and across the globe. For others, it is a way to get their name out there, as well as build a community of people with similar interests and allowing them to share their passion with one another. This is what the oldest international sport organization FIG had in mind when it decided to enter the world of this new revolution of video sharing, hashtags, and likes, also known as Social Media. Let’s see what happened when these two teamed up!

Currently, FIG has a Facebook page, Twitter account and a YouTube channel. Currently, 5,190 people like their Facebook page, they have 2,427 followers on Twitter and 4,247 viewers are subscribed to their YouTube channel, including over 3.2 million upload views. All three accounts, particularly Facebook, allow gymnastics enthusiasts to share their love for the sport by posting different elements, such as pictures, comments, videos, etc. These platforms keep fans engaged by constantly updating, replying to their audience’s posts, and even inviting them to participate in activities. Here are two fun examples of social media events that FIG recently held involving the recent Gymnastics World Championships in Tokyo:

On October 13, professional gymnast Nastia Liukin was tweeting live from the WC in Tokyo on FIG’s Twitter page. She was commenting and giving updates on the events taking place that day. Having a professional live tweeting like this is very exciting, especially for gymnastic fans because it makes them feel closer to the athletes. #winning!

After the World Championships in Tokyo ended, on FIG’s Facebook page, they asked their fans to post their favorite picture and video from the event and explaining why. This activity is a great way to keep your fans engaged because not only are they being exposed to FIG’s amazing content, but enthusiasts get the chance to express and share their love for this sport. Now that’s a reason to click on that Like button!

Social media helps bring people from all over the globe together. In addition, it brings us news and stories faster than ever before. This is the case for FIG, who definitely tackled this new world with grace. With its entertaining content and engaging methods, FIG’s fans will surely keep coming back for more, as well as attracting new people to its different social media platforms. Let’s come together along with FIG to share our love for the sport of gymnastics. One World, One Passion. Come Like, Follow and Subscribe!

Visit all 3 FIG sites:


Jayka Parial, October 19, 2011

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