Updated 7/28/15
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind., June 24, 2015 – 2014 World team bronze-medalists Jake Dalton of Reno, Nev./University of Oklahoma, Danell Leyva of Miami, Fla./Universal Gymnastics, Sam Mikulak of Newport Coast, Calif./U.S. Olympic Training Center, Alexander Naddour of Gilbert, Ariz./USA Youth Fitness Center, John Orozco of the Bronx, N.Y./U.S. Olympic Training Center, and Donnell Whittenburg of Baltimore, Md./U.S. Olympic Training Center, along with 2014 World alternate Paul Ruggeri III of Manlius, N.Y./U.S. Olympic Training Center, are among the 14 men who will represent Team Hilton, in 2015-16.
Sponsored by Hilton, Team Hilton is a program that provides direct financial support to selected male gymnasts to help offset their training expenses while they pursue their Olympic goals. All 12 are expected to compete at the 2015 P&G Gymnastics Championships, Aug. 13-16, at Bankers Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.
“Hilton is all about encouraging everyone to go out, see the world and play, and Team Hilton embodies this spirit,” said Mark Weinstein, global head, loyalty and partnerships, Hilton Worldwide. “We would like to congratulate Team Hilton on their accomplishments and can’t wait to watch this talented group of athletes play out their passions and vault to new heights.”
Also on the team are two-time Olympic medalist Jonathan Horton of Houston /Cypress Gymnastics; World medalists Steven Legendre of Norman, Okla./University of Oklahoma, and Brandon Wynn of Voorhees, N.J./U.S. Olympic Training Center; 2012 Olympic alternate Chris Brooks of Houston/U.S. Olympic Training Center; Donothan Bailey of Lake Forest, Calif./California-Berkeley; Marvin Kimble of Milwaukee, Wis./Swiss Turners; and Eddie Penev of Penfield, N.Y./U.S. Olympic Training Center.
“Team Hilton’s financial support allows many of the USA’s top male gymnasts to follow their dreams of world and Olympic glory,” said Steve Penny, president of USA Gymnastics. “With Hilton providing direct funding that helps cover the costs of daily living and training, these young men can focus on training and achieving competitive success.”
As members of Team Hilton, the gymnasts wear uniforms bearing the Team Hilton designation at domestic competitions, as well as make appearances on behalf of Hilton. The creation of Team Hilton was unveiled in 2011 when Hilton became the USA Gymnastics official hotel partner. The program was known as Team Hilton HHonors from 2011-14.
Team Hilton is just one part of Hilton’s sponsorship of USA Gymnastics. USA Gymnastics athletes, professional members, families and fans have the opportunity to save up to 15 percent at any of the participating 12 distinct hotel brands within the Hilton portfolio when booking through HHonors.com/USAGym.
Hilton is also providing sports fans access to exclusive events throughout the year through Hilton@PLAY. As part of Hilton@PLAY, HHonors members are encouraged to visit HHonors.com/auctions and redeem Hilton HHonors Points to gain access to once-in-a-lifetime sporting events, including upcoming USA Gymnastics events.
About Hilton
In the nearly 100 years since our founding, Hilton has defined the hospitality industry and established a portfolio of 12 world-class brands, including our flagship full-service Hilton Hotels & Resorts brand, which is the most recognized hotel brand in the world. Our premier brand portfolio also includes our luxury and lifestyle hotel brands, Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, Conrad Hotels & Resorts and Canopy by Hilton, our full-service hotel brands, Curio – A Collection by Hilton, DoubleTree by Hilton and Embassy Suites by Hilton, our focused–service hotel brands, Hilton Garden Inn, Hampton by Hilton, Homewood Suites by Hilton and Home2 Suites by Hilton and our timeshare brand, Hilton Grand Vacations (HGV). More than 155,000 Team Members proudly serve across owned and managed properties and corporate offices around the world, and we have approximately 44 million members in our award–winning customer loyalty program, Hilton HHonors.