AUSTIN, Texas, Sept. 1, 2017 – USA Gymnastics supports the Gymnastics Association of Texas (GAT) Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund, which GAT established to help gym owners hit hard by Hurricane Harvey with their efforts to rebuild, refurbish, clean and recover. Many clubs are at or near a total loss. The fund will provide assistance not only for clubs in South and Southeast Texas, but also in Louisiana and other areas impacted by Hurricane Harvey.

“Our hearts and thoughts go out to the people and communities who have been and continue to be impacted by Hurricane Harvey and its aftermath,” said Ron Galimore, chief operating officer of USA Gymnastics. “USA Gymnastics is proud to support GAT’s relief initiative, and having one central point for channeling the gymnastics community’s effort to help its beleaguered brethren is an ideal approach. We appreciate the thoughtfulness and generosity of those who can contribute to the relief fund, whether it is large or small.”

“It is with great appreciation that we receive the notes and prayers the community has sent to us directly and through USA Gymnastics," said James Jeffers, chairman of Gymnastics Association of Texas. “It is truly inspirational to those of us who are on the ground and dealing with the realities of the situation. We realized the importance of an effort to assist our clubs in moving forward, and we thank USA Gymnastics for its immediate and steadfast ongoing support of our gyms and people in need here in Texas and the other areas impacted by the storm.”

Donations to the GAT Hurricane Relief Fund may be made via the association’s website and/or Facebook page. GAT is a 501(c)(3) corporation.

Information for gym clubs about how and where to apply and the process and the criteria for awarding assistance will be posted on the GAT website.

“Experience has shown just how much our gymnastics community can do when working together for the benefit of our sport, athletes and clubs,” said Jeffers. “Thanks to everyone for whatever support you can provide to help us through the difficult days, weeks and months to come.

The Gymnastics Association of Texas (GAT) exists to serve the gymnastics club owners, coaches and judges by providing the most up-to-date training, teaching, business and early childhood development practices available. Through an annual convention, GAT serves not only the great State of Texas, but also the entire United States by being a go-to source for everything gymnastics, both recreational and competitive.

Based in Indianapolis, USA Gymnastics is the national governing body for gymnastics in the United States. Its mission is to encourage participation and the pursuit of excellence in the sport. Its disciplines include men’s and women’s artistic gymnastics, rhythmic gymnastics, trampoline and tumbling, acrobatic gymnastics and Gymnastics for All (formerly known as group gymnastics). For more complete information, log on to usagym.org.