USA Gymnastics Ninja Challenge kicks off this summer

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind., May 11, 2016 — USA Gymnastics will unveil the USA Gymnastics Ninja Challenge this summer at three of its premier events. Utilizing AAI gymnastics equipment for children ages 6-11, the USA Gymnastics Ninja Challenge is a fun form of conditioning that helps develop strength, coordination and speed, all of which are key elements to becoming a successful gymnast. Two-time Olympic and World medalist and American Ninja Warrior qualifier Jonathan Horton of Houston, Texas/Team Hilton (Cypress Gymnastics), will be on hand at each Ninja Challenge, which will be staged at a location near the gymnastics competition venue.



“The Ninja Challenge provides a fun way for kids to be physically active and test their skills against their peers,” said Steve Penny, president of USA Gymnastics. “Jon, who has twice competed in NBC’s ‘American Ninja Warrior,’ is the perfect ambassador for this new opportunity for local gymnasts.”



The Ninja Challenge will debut in Hartford, Conn., at the P&G Men’s Gymnastics Championships and the U.S. Secret Classic for women, June 3-5, then travel to the U.S. Olympic Team Trials for men’s gymnastics and the women’s P&G Championships in St. Louis, Mo., and wrap up at the U.S. Olympic Trials for women’s gymnastics in San Jose, Calif., July 8-10.



The Ninja Challenge course gives children the opportunity to jump, hang, swing, run and perform other basic movements, utilizing all of the different body parts. Participation in the Ninja Challenge will be by invitation through local gymnastics clubs.



The Ninja Challenge will be an invitation-only event for USA Gymnastics athlete members from top selling clubs in the ticket sales program for the event in the respective city. The selected clubs will be invited to send a designated number of gymnasts to try out the course.



The Ninja Challenge will have three age divisions: 6-7 year olds, 8-9 year olds and 10-11 year olds. The top gymnasts in each age division will be recognized as the Ninja Challenge champions during the final day of competition in that city.