EGYPT's young rhythmic gymnast Heba El-Bourini travels to Sofia today to compete in the 11th International Rhythmic Gymnastics tournament. Organised by the Bulgarian club Levski, the tournament is part of the club's celebration of its 50th anniversary. Nine-year-old El-Bourini will take part in the under-10 event which will be held on 14 September. El-Bourini, who will be accompanied by her mother, will attend a 10-day training camp before the competition in the same club.

"The training camp will benefit Heba. It will prepare her for the competition," Heba's mother, Bossaina told the press. "It's also a chance for her to watch the European Rhythmic Gymnastics Cup which will be held in the same venue on 6 September. Heba is eager to watch the world senior champions," she added.

"I can't wait to watch the world champions whom I've been watching on TV," Heba said. "Seeing them live will be something else. I want to get closer to them and take pictures as well," said young Heba.

The nine-year-old champion was invited by the Bulgarian side to represent Egypt in the championship because of her outstanding performance and result at the Alegro Cup in Targovishte in June -- where she placed fifth and attended a three-week training camp at Levski.

Neshka Robeva, president of the RG Levski, presented a report to the Egyptian Gymnastics Federation EGF, calling El-Bourini a "very promising player".

"We believe that if she took on special programmes and was nurtured by the federation, results will come quickly," Robeva said. "For her development, she needs more ballet and coordination of the body and a technique with the apparatus. She is a promising gymnast."