INDIANAPOLIS, Ind., June 21, 2010 — The country’s best acrobatic gymnasts are heading to Kissimmee, Fla., for the 2010 Acrobatic Gymnastics National Championships, July 24-28, at the Silver Spurs Arena. The Acrobatic Gymnastics National Championships showcase more than 500 of the nation’s top and up-and-coming acrobatic gymnasts, from the junior and senior elite to Junior Olympic Levels 5-10. Tickets are on sale now.

“We are happy to bring this dynamic sport to Kissimmee,” said Steve Penny, president of USA Gymnastics. “This is a great opportunity for gymnastics fans to experience first-hand the incredible feats of balance and strength that characterize acrobatic gymnastics.”

Both national titles and national team berths are on the line at the championships, which are co-hosted by the Central Florida Sports Commission and Kissimmee Convention & Visitors Bureau.

“We are proud to again welcome USA Gymnastics to Central Florida,” said Sam Stark, president/CEO of the Central Florida Sports Commission. “We look forward to providing a world-class experience for their officials, participants and spectators next month. We hope to host many more of these exciting events in Osceola County for years to come.”

“We are thrilled that the Silver Spurs Arena has been selected to host these athletes who someday may represent the USA around the world,” said Kissimmee Convention and Visitors Bureau Director Tom Lang. “Kissimmee proudly welcomes them, their family and friends.”

The Acrobatic Gymnastics National Championships feature competition in women’s pair, men’s pair, mixed pair, women’s group and men’s group for each level. The event kicks off with the elite level competition on July 24 at 6:30 p.m. with both junior and senior elite balance and dynamic routines, as well as junior 11-16 balance routines. On July 25, opening ceremonies start at 6:30 p.m., followed by the junior and senior elite combined routine and junior 11-16 dynamic routine. The Junior Olympic competition schedule is: July 26 – Level 5 at 9 a.m., Level 7 at 1 p.m. and Level 9 (balance) and Level 10 (balance and dynamic) at 6:30 p.m.; July 27 – Level 6 at 9 a.m., Level 8 (balance) at 1 p.m. and Level 9 (dynamic) and Level 10 (combined) at 6:30 p.m.; and July 28 – Level 6 at 9 a.m. and Level 8 (dynamic) at 1 p.m. In the Junior Olympic competition, the number of routines performed varies by level. For more information on both events, click here.

Daily all-day tickets are $26.75 per person (includes all sessions), and a five-day pass is $85. Tickets may be purchased through Ticketmaster by phone at 800-745-3000; online at www.ticketmaster.com; and at all Ticketmaster outlets. Visa is the preferred method of payment.

Acrobatic gymnastics combines the beauty of dance with the strength and agility of acrobatics. Routines are choreographed to music and consist of dance, tumbling, and partner skills. At the elite level, each pair or group performs a balance, dynamic and combined routine. Pyramids and partner holds characterize the balance routine, while synchronized tumbling and intricate flight elements define the dynamic exercise. An acrobatic gymnastics pair consists of a base and a top. A women’s group is comprised of a base, middle and top partner, while a men’s group has a base, two middle partners and one top partner.

The Central Florida Sports Commission is a private, non-profit organization created to solicit and support activities, events and sports-related businesses that stimulate the local economy; construct and utilize sports facilities; enhance the area’s image worldwide; provide outstanding entertainment and participatory opportunities; and contribute to the community’s quality of life. The Sports Commission represents the counties of Lake, Orange, Osceola, Seminole and Volusia, as well as the City of Orlando.

Located in the heart of Florida, Kissimmee’s lodging properties are close to all that makes Central Florida a great place to visit, including world famous theme parks, entertainment centers, dinner attractions, championship-caliber golf courses and thrilling natural attractions, including ziplining and alligator spotting aboard an airboat. Add to that an impressive array of shopping and dining options, and an easy drive to Florida’s beaches and other attractions, and Kissimmee is the ideal choice for a world-class vacation. Choose from among more than 47,000 total Kissimmee accommodations, from luxury resorts and familiar chain hotels to condos, vacation homes, villas and campgrounds. Go to VisitKissimmee.com.