SAN JOSE, Calif., Aug. 8, 2007—Fitness pioneer Jack LaLanne, San Jose Mayor Chuck Reed, and Olympic champion Peter Vidmar are among the local and gymnastics celebrities who are participating in the family-friendly activities surrounding the 2007 Visa Championships, Aug. 15-18, in San Jose, Calif.  A variety of free fan activities to celebrate USA Gymnastics’ national championships are scheduled for the Visa Championships Fitness Plaza, located at the Circle of Palms near the Fairmont Hotel in downtown San Jose, and the Visa Fan Fest, situated on Autumn Street adjacent to HP Pavilion at San Jose.

 

“The San Jose Sports Authority and the HP Pavilion have partnered with us to create a number of fun activities for the entire family to complement the 2007 Visa Championships,” said Steve Penny, president of USA Gymnastics. “From morning fitness workouts to music, food and autograph signing, we have something for everyone. To have Jack LaLanne join us for our fitness workouts is incredible. We hope everyone in San Jose will come out and enjoy these events.” 

 

Here’s a quick overview of the scheduled activities. 1996 Olympian John Macready is the host for all of the fun and activities at both the Visa Championships Fitness Plaza and the Visa Fan Fest.

·         Official kick-off.  Mayor Reed will officially start the 2007 Visa Championships on Wednesday, Aug. 15, at 12 p.m., at the south entrance of the HP Pavilion at San Jose.  In addition to opening the doors, the Mayor will also unveil a special street name for Autumn Street for the duration of the championships.  The ceremony precedes the first competition session, the junior men’s artistic gymnastics all-around and individual event finals at 1 p.m.

·         Morning fitness workouts, Aug. 16-17.  The fun begins bright and early at 6:30 a.m. on Thursday and Friday at the Visa Championships Fitness Plaza with morning workouts led by a certified fitness instructor and other gymnastics celebrities. LaLanne will motivate fitness participants on Thursday and Vidmar, a 1984 Olympic gold medalist, will participate in both morning workouts.

·         Mid-day gymnastics demonstrations and fitness workouts, Aug. 16-17.  From 11 a.m.-1 p.m., local gymnastics clubs will give gymnastics exhibitions during lunchtime to entertain downtown San Jose business people and visitors, as well build awareness for the Visa Championships. Mid-day fitness sessions begin at 12 p.m.

·         Visa Fan Fest, Aug. 17-18