INDIANAPOLIS, Ind., April 15, 2010 – Rhythmic gymnasts from the United States and around the world will head to Chicago’s Broadway Armory Park on June 26-27, 2010, to compete in the 2010 Chicago Cup. The two-day event will feature some of the best rhythmic gymnasts from around the world and the top U.S. seniors and juniors from the 2010 Rhythmic Challenge. The Chicago Cup will consist of an all-around, individual event and group competition. The Rhythmic Junior Olympic Optional Championships will be held June 23-26 in conjunction with the Chicago Cup.
“Chicago has a rich tradition of supporting rhythmic gymnastics and is home to many of our former champions and some of our top rhythmic gymnastics,” said Steve Penny, president of USA Gymnastics. “It is the perfect location for this international event.”
The first day of competition determines the all-around champion, which is 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 competition schedule is outlined below. Start times may be adjusted depending on the number of participants.
Chicago Cup at Broadway Armory Park
Date – Event/competition – Ticket price
June 23-25 – J.O. Optional Championships – $10
June 26 – All-around (Rope, Hoop, Ball, Clubs, Ribbon) – $20
June 27 – Event Finals – $20
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 with all four apparatus. Individual event finals feature qualified gymnasts competing with 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. The group discipline combines those skills in a choreographed routine with five group members.
USA Gymnastics is partnering with World Sport Chicago to bring the Chicago Cup back to the Windy City. The two organizations worked together on the 2009 Tyson American Cup and Chicago Cup, which 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.
Individual session tickets for the Chicago Cup are $20 for June 26 and 27. An all-session ticket, which provides access to all Chicago Cup and J.O. Championships 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 Optional Championships
The U.S. Rhythmic Gymnastics Junior Olympic Optional 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 five days, with competition at the Broadway Armory. For the complete competition schedule, go to www.usa-gymnastics.org/chicagocup. Junior Olympic tickets may be purchased onsite.
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.