2009 Chicago Cup brings international rhythmic gymnastics to bid city

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind., May 20, 2009 – Rhythmic gymnasts from the United States and around the world will head to Chicago’s Broadway Armory Park June 19-21 to compete in the inaugural Chicago Cup. The three-day event will feature senior and junior division all-around and individual event competition.

“Chicago is the perfect location for this inaugural rhythmic gymnastics event for two reasons,” said Steve Penny, president of USA Gymnastics. “First, the city is or has been home to several of our top rhythmic gymnasts, including former U.S. champion Lisa Wang and the reigning group champions from North Shore Rhythmic Gymnastics. And secondly, this is another opportunity for gymnastics to support Chicago’s bid to host the 2016 Olympic Games.”

The first two days of competition determine the all-around champion (the gymnast with the highest aggregate score after four events) as well as the top eight gymnasts who advance to the individual event finals. The United States will enter four senior and three junior gymnasts.

The competition schedule is outlined below. Start times may be adjusted depending on the number of participants.

For the Chicago Cup, the apparatus are: senior – rope, hoop, ball and ribbon; and junior – rope, hoop, ball and clubs. The all-around competition includes routines on all four apparatus. Individual event finals feature qualified gymnasts competing on each apparatus for a score. In rhythmic gymnastics routines, the athlete coordinates very difficult body movements with each apparatus in synch with the music, which requires strength, power, flexibility, agility, dexterity and endurance.

Individual session tickets for the Chicago Cup are $15 for June 19-20 and $20 for June 21. An all-session ticket, which provides access to all Chicago Cup sessions, is available for $45. Tickets may be purchased through participating local gymnastics clubs or online at www.usa-gymnastics.org/chicagocup. Visa is the preferred method of payment.

Rhythmic Gymnastics Junior Olympic Championships
The U.S. Rhythmic Gymnastics Junior Olympic Championships, which showcases the country’s best Level 7-9 gymnasts, and the Level 10 Invitational will be held in conjunction with the Chicago Cup. The Junior Olympic Championships spans six days, with competition at the Broadway Armory and Trinity International University. For the complete competition schedule, go to www.usa-gymnastics.org/chicagocup. Junior Olympic tickets may be purchased onsite.