READING, Pa., February 22, 2011 – 2008 Olympic all-around champion Nastia Liukin, 2008 Olympic all-around silver-medalist Shawn Johnson, 2004 Olympic all-around champion Carly Patterson, three-time Olympic champion Svetlana Boginskaya, and 1996 Olympic team gold-medalists Shannon Miller and Dominique Moceanu are participating in BRAVADO, a fundraising auction dedicated to Breast Cancer Awareness co-sponsored by GK Elite Sportswear L.P. and Unite for Her. The six gymnasts have designed unique GK sport bras that will be offered at a silent auction to raise funds for Unite for HER breast cancer programs and initiatives at the Pink Invitational, Feb. 25-27, at United Sports in Downingtown, Pa.
The six designs reflect each gymnast’s personality. Liukin’s "Straight from the Heart" design is a bra dyed pink and decorated with mini-heart stone clusters and two hot pink sparkly tulle bows. Johnson’s "Guardian Angel" sports bra is covered in delicate white flowers and features purple feathered wings at the back. Miller’s "Go for the Gold Cure" design features elegant golden shimmer fabric draped across the front with dainty golden ribbons trimmed along the neckline. Boginskaya’s "Flower Power" sparkly sports bra is covered in brightly colored daisies and features two beautiful purple butterflies. Moceanu’s bra, "Amore," features a large jeweled heart design at the center front along with three smaller hearts and scattered red jewels. Patterson’s Wild Western design "The Boot" is covered with ten cowboy boots and features pink accents throughout to show support for the cause.
In addition to the athletes, USA Gymnastics, Northern Elite Gymnastics and AJS Pancott National Training Center will also participate in BRAVADO. USA Gymnastics presented a "Go For Gold" design, featuring red, white and blue ribbons trimmed along the neckline and a right side seam, a striking gold medal, and the USA Gymnastics logo. The "Hooters" design provided by Northern Elite Gymnastics of Flanders, N.J., displays a one-of-a-kind owl design. AJS Pancott National Training Center of West Chester, Pa., has designed a red silk bra decorated with antique jewelry, which they named, "Keep ‘Em Vintage."
In December 2010, GK Elite Sportswear announced a new 2011 partnership with Unite for HER, which included the co-sponsorship of BRAVADO, support of the 2011 Pink Invitational, an outreach gymnastics meet presented by Unite for HER, and the production of a collection of breast cancer awareness leotards.
GK Elite’s 2011 collection of breast cancer awareness apparel includes three in-stock leotards embellished with the pink ribbon and a custom GK/Unite for HER logo. These special leotards, along with a sports bra and workout short, will debut at the Pink Invitational on Feb. 25, 2011, and will be available through June 15, 2012. As a proud sponsor of Unite for HER, GK will contribute five percent of the sales of the breast cancer awareness collection to our friends at Unite for HER. This dazzling and inspiring collection is a perfect complement for breast cancer events.
2011 marks the seventh year that GK has taken a stand against breast cancer. "We see taking part in the fight against breast cancer as a responsibility, especially given that the majority of our customer base is young girls and teens. Unite for HER is an organization making a positive impact in helping those affected by breast cancer. Getting the message and support out to women of all ages is part of their passion and success!" said Kelly McKeown, executive vice president of design and corporate relations for GK. Each year GK continues to add more breast cancer awareness leotard styles to promote this worthy cause. Following the Pink Invitational, the leotards, sports bra and short will be available for purchase on the GK website.
GK is the world’s leading supplier of gymnastics apparel and is recognized around the world for superior variety, quality, fit and service. GK is proud to have been chosen by adidas to manufacture the US National Team Competitive apparel for USA Gymnastics since 2000 and is the sole producer of adidas brand gymnastics apparel worldwide. Based in Reading, Pa., Elite Sportswear, L.P., the company behind the GK brand, continues its commitment to American-made quality and continuous innovation in designs for gymnastics, cheerleading, dance, and drill team apparel. For more information about GK Elite, visit www.gk-elitesportswear.com.
Unite for HER is dedicated to improving the lives of women and girls by supporting and providing breast cancer programs and initiatives that educate, empower, and restore. Since 2009, Unite for HER has worked to bridge the gap between the medical and wellness communities by educating women diagnosed with breast cancer about complementary therapies, providing them with a compassionate resource for support, knowledge and healing. Visit www.uniteforher.org or call 610-322-9552.