Rio, 4/5/2004 (Agência Brasil) - The Ministry of Sports reports that it will install five centers for gymnasts around the country. The announcement, by minister of Sports, Agnelo Queiroz, was made at the Olympic Gymnast World Cup this weekend in Rio de Janeiro.

Queiroz declared that the idea is to use existing facilities and adapt them for Olympic gymnastics which will reduce costs. He revealed that the necessary equipment will cost US$100,000 (R$300,000). The first of the new centers will be in Manaus.

The minister also announced that the Ukrainian, Oleg Ostapenko, who is presently training the Brazilian Olympic team will be an assistant at the new centers.

Queiroz congratulated the Brazilian Olympic gymnast team for its performance at the Rio World Cup where the country had its best results ever: 4 gold medals, 3 silver and 1 bronze. (Translator: Allen Bennett)