The Swiss Gymnastics Association goes back to the Federal Gymnastics Society, which was founded in 1832. Around the turn of the century, there was a development towards stricter discipline and individualist notions were rejected in favour of a strong emphasis on collectivism. This resulted in the establishment of the motto of the “white army” in 1939 despite what Europe was experiencing under National Socialism. It was only in 1972 that marching exercises and the white gymnasts’ uniforms, which can be seen on the posters for gymnastics competitions, were abolished.
The Swiss Gymnastics Association goes back to the Federal Gymnastics Society, which was founded in 1832. Around the turn of the century, there was a development towards stric ...
ter discipline and individualist notions were rejected in favour of a strong emphasis on collectivism. This resulted in the establishment of the motto of the “white army” in 1939 despite what Europe was experiencing under National Socialism. It was only in 1972 that marching exercises and the white gymnasts’ uniforms, which can be seen on the posters for gymnastics competitions, were abolished.
