INDIANAPOLIS, Ind., Feb. 11, 2010 — Chicago, Ill., will play host to the 2010 CoverGirl Classic, the final qualifying event for women’s gymnastics for the 2010 Visa Championships, at the UIC Pavilion on the University of Illinois – Chicago campus. The junior and senior competition, which features some of the USA’s top female gymnasts, is July 24, and tickets go on sale March 6, 2010.
USA Gymnastics is partnering with World Sport Chicago to bring the CoverGirl Classic to Chicago. The two organizations worked together on the 2009 Tyson American Cup and Chicago Cup that were held in the Chicago area as part of World Sport Chicago’s outreach in conjunction with the city’s bid for the 2016 Olympic Games.
“Many of the sport’s best-known names have won the CoverGirl Classic, which has become a precursor of success,” said Steve Penny, president of USA Gymnastics. “Former champions include 2008 Olympic medalists Nastia Liukin, Shawn Johnson and Bridget Sloan. We are proud to work with World Sport Chicago in its efforts to bring top sporting events to Chicago as part of the ongoing legacy from the 2016 bid.”
“We are very excited to have the CoverGirl Classic staged at the UIC Pavilion,” said Kevin O’Finn, director of the UIC Pavilion. “The Pavilion will be a great stage for some of the country’s top women gymnasts to perform, and an excellent opportunity for Chicago fans to see our nation’s best up close.”
“World Sport Chicago is proud to again partner with USA Gymnastics in bringing one of its events to Chicagoland,” said Pat Ryan, chairman of World Sport Chicago. “Just a year ago, we helped host the Tyson American Cup, which was a major success, and the CoverGirl Classic is an important part of our efforts to bring top Olympic sporting events to the city in our continuing efforts to engage Chicago’s youth in sport and the benefits it provides.”
The junior and senior sessions are on Saturday, July 24, with the juniors at 1 p.m. and the seniors at 7 p.m. The Challenge Division competition, which features up-and-coming gymnasts, is scheduled for Friday, July 23, and Sunday, July 25.
The 2010 Visa Championships, USA Gymnastics’ national championships, are Aug. 11-14 in Hartford, Conn. The U.S. champions for men’s and women’s artistic gymnastics, rhythmic gymnastics, acrobatic gymnastics and trampoline and tumbling are determined at the Visa Championships. Artistic gymnastics will be held at the XL Center, and rhythmic and acrobatic gymnastics and trampoline and tumbling are set for the Chase Center at the University of Hartford. The USA Gymnastics National Congress and Trade Show, held in conjunction with the Visa Championships, will be at the Connecticut Convention Center. For complete information on the Visa Championships, click here.
About UIC Pavilion:
Located on the campus of the University of Illinois at Chicago–just minutes from Downtown. The UIC Pavilion is one of the Midwest’s finest arenas. In its brief history, it has hosted many special or one-of-a-kind programs. The UIC Pavilion hosts concerts, UIC sports, boxing, meetings, festivals, and corporate, civic, and cultural events. The UIC Pavilion is a 10,000-seat multi-purpose arena, located at 525 S. Racine Street Chicago IL, 60607.
About World Sport Chicago:
World Sport Chicago believes that sport has the power to transform and is dedicated to helping children in Chicago find a sport to meet their interests and abilities. The organization is a legacy of the 2016 Olympic bid and promotes the Olympic ideals of fitness, education and well being by working with partner organizations to launch or expand sport programs for kids. WSC is working to introduce Chicago’s youth to the fun and benefit of sports and the ideals of fair play, teamwork, respect and leadership.