--- Advertisement ---

Generic selectors
Exact matches only
Search in title
Search in content
Post Type Selectors

Bangkok Faces: Paola Fantinato, Artistic Gymnastics Coach

Your Name: Paola Fantinato

Job Title: Artistic Gymnastics Coach

What is your nationality and background?

I was born and raised in Italy, where I graduated with a university degree in Geology. My father has been a track and field coach for most of his life, training both young athletes and accomplished ones. His love for sports, first, has inspired me as a competing gymnast since the age of 6, and later spurred me to follow his footsteps, and become a coach myself.

What is your profession?

I graduated as Artistic Gymnastics Coach from the Italian Gymnastics Federation, and have coached kids for the past seven years. Today I teach artistic and acrobatic gymnastics to children from 4 to 10 years of age.

What are the key skills and responsibilities of this role?

My main skill is to teach small children to develop awareness and command of their movements and bodily coordination, through playing and other motion related exercises that foster their psycho-motorial activity and sensorial abilities.

How did you get involved in your profession?

After I stopped competing, I continued training as an amateur. At some point I begun to help my coach with his classes, and followed his advice to enrol in a teaching course offered by the Italian Gymnastics Federation. I have taught since then.

How does your role enhance the wellbeing or experience of children?

I am convinced that my role as a teacher is key to enhancing the wellbeing and experience of children. Gymnastics is one of the most complete physical activities, which allows every part of the body to develop harmoniously, in the most natural way.

These are some very good reasons why I believe that gymnastics can benefit children:

  • For the first time in their lives, small children become aware of their own body, how to move it in space in a coordinated way, and they gain total control of even the smallest of movements.
  • Artistic gymnastics is not only a sport, but also a form of discipline, through which kids learn perseverance, and the respect of rules.
  • With a competitive approach, children learn the value of working hard to achieve results, going beyond their limits, or learning to accept them.
  • As a team of young gymnasts, kids, and especially boys, are taught the values of a group effort, to respect the teammates, to support each other for the good of the team, and produce results that go beyond the abilities of the individual.

What challenges do your face in this role?

Speaking of group sessions, since I work mostly with small children, usually up to 8 years of age, the most difficult challenge is to tailor my teaching methods to each child’s different natural ability, and be able to enhance each one’s individual skills and contribute to the development of their self-esteem.

As a teacher, I feel that one of my main responsibilities is developing empathy with children. I strongly believe that any technical aspect of my teaching should take second place to creating a sense of trust with my pupils, to help them overcome the challenges of learning complex body movements.

What do you hope to achieve within your industry?

As for my personal goals, I would love to give my personal contribution to making gymnastics, artistic and acrobatic in particular, an integral part of children’s physical curriculum at all school levels, both during the regular school year, and in the off-periods, with summer camps and other recreational moments.

Who or what inspires you?

My father!

Only a Bangkok local would know…

A very famous Italian writer, photographer, traveller and philosopher, Tiziano Terzani, lived in Bangkok for several years, in what he called the “Turtle House”. This small wooden house, with a beautiful garden and large pond (where the turtle lived) is hidden between high condos in Sukhumvit Soi 39. It’s a place full of peace and good vibrations, little known even to Bangkokians, but very relevant to all Italians travelling through the city.

For more information, please email [email protected].

Register your email address here and we’ll notify you when a new article gets uploaded.

Pssst... like what you're reading?

Join our community and never miss an event, post or update!

Just enter your email address below:

Generic selectors
Exact matches only
Search in title
Search in content
Post Type Selectors

Follow Us!

Upcoming Events

Playmondo – Snoopy Bouncy Adventure

Central Chaengwattana 99, 99/9 Village No. 2 Chaeng Watthana Rd, Bang Talat, Pak Kret District, Bangkok, Thailand +1 more

  The fun isn’t over yet! Let’s keep the excitement going with the PEANUTS-themed inflatable playground. ⁣ Stay tuned to find out where we’ll be heading this year! ⁣ ⁣ […]

Recurring

Kids Kingdom Ruamrudee International Kindergarten – Playgroup Summer

Kids Kingdom Ruamrudee 63/2 Soi Ruamrudee 3, Ploenchit Road, Lumpini, Pathumwan, Bangkok, Bangkok, Thailand

Join us this June for our exciting “Summer” Playgroup Days!Happening on Saturdays – June 7, 14, 21, and 28, 2025, each day will be filled with sunny adventures, splashy fun, […]

Please Contact

Kiztopia Thailand – Jumptopia

Central Rama 2 160 Rama II Rd, Samae Dam, Bang Khun Thian, Bangkok 10150, Bangkok, Bangkok, Thailand

Jumptopia is bouncing across Asia! From Singapore to Taiwan, the fun never stops at Kiztopia. Here’s what’s happening right here in Thailand — don’t miss the action!⁣⁣ Jumptopia: Bouncy Egg […]

Playmondo – Snoopy Bouncy Adventure

Central Westgate 199, 199/1, 199//2 หมู่ที่ 6 Kanchanaphisek Rd, Sao Thong Hin, Bang Yai District, Nonthaburi 11140, Nonthaburi, Nonthaburi, Thailand

Snoopy is back at Central Westgate ⁣⁣ The PEANUTS-themed inflatable playground is here—get ready to bounce, run, and roll non-stop! ⁣⁣ Bring your friends and family along for a day […]

D-Prep International School – Walk In Consultation

Megabangna 38-39 Bangna - Trad Road, Tambon Bang Kaeo, Amphoe Bang Phli, Chang Wat Samut Prakan Bang Phli, Samut Prakan,, Bangkok, Bangkok, Thailand

D-PREP is now offering walk-in consultations right at Mega Bangna! If you're searching for the right school that understands your child’s potential, come visit and enjoy exclusive offers made just […]

Get The Latest Updates

Subscribe To Our Weekly Newsletter

Get the latest kid and family-friendly activities and events in your inbox every Thursday! No spam, guaranteed.

More information

You May Also Like...

Vana Nava Water Jungle

Vana Nava Water Jungle in Hua Hin

Asia’s First Water Jungle!! Hidden deep inside tropical jungle surroundings you’ll find the world’s best rides, slides and incredible attractions. Hua Hin has always been a favourite for families, famed for its