Beijing (CHN) NIS FIG Office, August 10, 2008: The story is a beautiful one! Because of the generosity of a passionate gymnastics fan, young Uzbekistani gymnast Luiza Galiulina will be participating in the Beijing Olympic Games sporting a brand new leotard.

Originally a substitute gymnast, the Games were closing in when Luiza learned of her Olympic selection, getting the information as late as July 23rd. With no time to lose, the young gymnast was forced to catch a flight to Beijing without appropriate competition apparel, taking with her an ordinary, not to mention worn, training leotard. 'I didn't have time to order a suitable competition leotard' explained the young gymnast's coach, Svetlana Kuznetsova. 'The few days we had before our departure were used to fill out the necessary papers, purchase our airline tickets and request visas.'

Once settled in Beijing, Luiza's coach shared her concern with one of her colleagues, who passed the bit of information along to Paul Ziert, editor of the American magazine International Gymnast. Having heard of the young gymnast's plight, Ziert swiftly decided to purchase four leotards before taking off for Beijing with the intention of giving them to Luiza. Profoundly moved, Svetlana Kuznetsova could not help but feel the extent of Ziert's act of generosity toward her gymnast. 'Luiza will be thrilled about this. She's a sweet, adorable girl who loves pretty things. If Paul Ziert hadn't purchased the leotards for her, Luiza would have had to compete in her old training leotard.'

Remember!
This act of kindness evokes memories of another event, back in 2005 at the RG World Championships in Baku (AZE), when for its first participation in a world championships the Indian Group arrived with a mere three balls. The Russian delegation was quick to react, generously lending two balls to even things out! /phs