San Jose, Calif., city officials kicked off the 2012 U.S. Olympic Trials – Gymnastics festivities on June 19 by raising the U.S. Olympic Flag in front of City Hall and proclaiming San Jose as "Gymnastics City USA." The city will host the four-day competition at HP Pavilion at San Jose June 28-July 1, where the men’s and women’s gymnastics team for the 2012 Olympic Games will be determined.
"Hosting the Olympic Trials – Gymnastics is both a privilege and a serious undertaking for entire City of San Jose," said Patricia Ernstrom, executive director of the San Jose Sports Authority. "I couldn’t be more proud and honored that our community has been selected as the steward of these Olympic Trials."
Representatives from the City of San Jose, the San Jose Sports Authority, HP Pavilion and other dignitaries were on hand to celebrate the raising of the U.S. Olympic Flag at City Hall. San Jose Mayor Chuck Reed proclaimed that San Jose will be known as "Gymnastics City USA," jump starting the 10-day countdown to competition and festivities.
The flag will remain over City Hall until June 28, when it will be taken down and delivered by procession to HP Pavilion for the Opening Ceremonies of the U.S. Olympic Trials – Gymnastics.
Events and festivities begin June 26-27 with the USA Gymnastics Championships for rhythmic gymnastics and trampoline, followed by men’s and women’s artistic competition June 28-July 1.