Former gymnastics star Nadia Comaneci was present at the groundbreaking ceremony for the gymnasium which will bear her name, a project carried out by the Tiriac Foundation, a release informs.

''Nadia Comaneci was present at the groundbreaking ceremony for the namesake gym, a project carried out by the Tiriac Foundation in Otopeni. The world gymnastics legend attended the start of the construction works for a new venue dedicated to the children who want to discover the beauty and discipline of this sport. The story continues, from the first 'perfect 10' in gymnastics to the generations of tomorrow. In the summer of 1976, the whole world watched in amazement as a young girl just 14 years old from Onesti achieved perfection. Nadia Comaneci made history in Montreal, securing the first score of 10 in the history of Olympic gymnastics, a moment that would inspire entire generations, a lesson about work, dreams come true and overcoming limits. Almost half a century after that moment that forever changed the perception of perfection, Nadia's story is being rewritten, this time in Otopeni. In gratitude for her unique legacy, the Tiriac Foundation is building the 'Nadia Comaneci' Gymnasium, a place dedicated to children who want to discover the beauty and discipline of this sport. Nadia herself was present at the start of the works, in a symbolic gesture that links the glorious past of Romanian gymnastics with its promising future,' the cited source said.

The new gym is planned to open in July 2026, on the 50th anniversary of the first score of 10 awarded in this sport.

The gym in Otopeni is designed to international standards, and is intended for entry-level classes and training for children up to 12 years old.

Spanning a total 2,837 sqm, of which 1,850 sqm for the gym itself, the venue features a training area with a capacity of 75 athletes, modern locker rooms equipped with all the necessary facilities, a special carpet for rhythmic gymnastics, and an artistic gymnastics competition carpet, both compliant with international sports standards, equipment for women's and men's gymnastics, and a 50 to 60-seat stand for parents and children's companions to watch the training.

The construction of the gym represents a new stage in a broader project of the Tiriac Foundation dedicated to the development of children's sports facilities.

Located next to the 'Nadia Comaneci' Gym is the Olympic swimming pool that is nearing completion, and the Allianz-Tiriac Arena Ice Rink. Other investments are also planned that will complete the local sports infrastructure. AGERPRES (RO - writing by: Adrian Tone; EN - writing by: Simona Klodnischi)