VIRGINIA BEACH, Va., June 25, 2010 – More than 1,800 gymnasts who compete in trampoline and tumbling will participate in the 2010 Trampoline and Tumbling Junior Olympic National Championships, June 27-July 2, at the Virginia Beach (Va.) Convention Center. The six-day event features competitions for Levels 5-10 in trampoline, double mini-trampoline, synchronized trampoline and tumbling for both men and women. The U.S. Elite Challenge is being held June 25-27 in conjunction with the Junior Olympic Championships.

To qualify for the Junior Olympic National Championships, athletes must meet the qualifying criteria and score requirements which vary by category and event. Gymnasts in Levels 5-10 are ranked by their level of expertise, with 10 being the highest and just below elite.

The Regional All-Stars Competition features the Level 10 regional champions vying for the title of Grand Champion as the best overall Regional All-Star Team. The region accumulating the highest combined score is named the Grand Champion Team.

The event competition schedule is:

    June 27 – Level 10 synchronized trampoline, 3 p.m.
    June 28 – Levels 8-10 trampoline, tumbling and double mini-trampoline, 8:15 a.m. and 2 p.m.
    June 29 — Levels 8-10 trampoline, tumbling and double mini-trampoline at 8:15 a.m. and Level 10 trampoline, tumbling and double mini-trampoline finals at 4 p.m.
    June 30 – Levels 5-7 trampoline, tumbling and double mini-trampoline at 2:15 p.m., and Regional All-stars Competition at 6 p.m.
    July 1 – Levels 5-7 trampoline, tumbling and double mini-trampoline, 8 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
    July 2 – Levels 5-7 trampoline, tumbling and double mini-trampoline, 8:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.

For the complete schedule, click here.

Trampoline events involve athletes using trampolines that can propel them up to 30 feet in the air, during which they can perform single, double and twisted somersaults. Tumbling utilizes elevated spring runways that enable athletes to jump at heights over 10 feet and execute a variety of acrobatic maneuvers. Double mini competition involves the athlete making a short run and leaping onto a small two-level trampoline. The athlete will then perform an aerial maneuver and dismount onto a landing mat.