#NadiaYear/Comaneci urges sport boost, hopes children will thank parents for guiding them to gymnastics - AGERPRES

Legendary gymnast Nadia Comaneci said on Sunday that she hopes the year marking the anniversary of her historic first perfect 10 in gymnastics at the 1976 Montreal Olympic Games will help children understand the importance of sport. At a press conference in her hometown of Onesti, Comaneci said: 'We hope this year will be a boost for all children to understand the importance of sport and how you can find a path through sport that will help you in life, regardless of whether you become an Olympic champion or not. The opportunities and the doors that open for you because you do sport are incredible, and you can see that in us - in the life we had after gymnastics and in the fact that we are celebrating this moment together.' The five-time Olympic champion stressed that anyone who wants to reach elite level must work extremely hard, as she once did. 'History is appreciated, and everyone here should be appreciated because it was a lot of work - at least eight years before the Montreal Olympics.

I am glad to see these children wanting to find their limits, wanting to keep their passion and love for gymnastics,' she added, referring to the 'Nadia Comaneci - Perfect 10' International Gymnastics Competition held on Sunday in her honor at the Onesti sports hall that bears her name. The 'Goddess of Montreal' also delivered a message of encouragement and congratulations to all competitors, their parents and their coaches. 'I am enormously happy about this competition. Seeing the girls' enthusiasm and their desire to find their limits in what they do is the most beautiful gift for me.

So I wish them success, congratulations to the coaches, and I hope the children look into the stands, find their parents and say: 'Thank you for bringing me to gymnastics',' Comaneci said in the arena named after her. Nadia Comaneci was in her hometown on Sunday to take part in a series of events dedicated to her, marking 50 years since her historic first perfect 10. The day featured an art exhibition, the launch of a Nadia Comaneci apparel line, sports demonstrations, a symbolic walk along 'The Road to Perfection', and concluded with a Champions' Gala and a concert by fellow Onesti native Loredana. AGERPRES (RO - writing by: Gabriel Apetrii; EN - writing by: Simona Klodnischi)