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    The organisation and management is heavily dependant on volunteers and that makes it hard to dedicate enough time to the sport; all the members of the Executive Director are volunteers. Coaches most often are physical education teachers and ex-gymnasts, most of them are volunteers as well. The Federation has to depend occasionally on some coaches hired by the provincial federations in order to train the national team. The economic limitations are very hard but nevertheless they have been struggling for several years to keep going, developing the sport and be present in the international arena. The technical demands of the sport are higher as the years pass and that contributes to creating a bigger gap between developing countries in the world and the more powerful ones (e.g. Heinilä, 1989). This is an issue that has to be considered by the International Gymnastics Federation (López de D’Amico & O’Brien, 2000). In spite of their limitations, the Ecuador Gymnastics Federation has been present at international activities organised by FIG, e.g., international judges courses, courses and conventions, etc, in many cases thanks to individual’s efforts.

    The federation needs more funding from the government in order to develop their plans. It is also relevant to indicate that other parallel programs could be developed, e.g., coaches education scheme. There is a great will and love for gymnastics among the people who participated in the research. With more support this organisation could develop this sport in the country and participate with better results in the international arena.

Acknowledgement

    The author appreciates the effort made by the Federación Ecuatoriana de Gimnasia for their cooperation and especially Lic. Ivan Flor (President of FEG) who supported this research and provided the contacts. My sincerest appreciation to the participants who shared their opinions and were able to be contacted on several occasions.

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