World champion Zmeskal-Burdette’s gym hosts Tyson Fitness Challenge

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind., June 25, 2007 – Texas Dreams Gymnastics/EveryBody Fits, a gymnastics club in Coppell, Texas, that is directed by 1991 world all-around champion Kim Zmeskal-Burdette, has incorporated the Tyson Fitness Challenge into its Summer Six Pack Camp. Texas Dreams Gymnastics/EveryBody Fits is using the Tyson Fitness Challenge to help children become more physically fit, in addition to raising money for the Children’s Miracle Network.

"My involvement with gymnastics since the age of six has made fitness a ‘must’ in my life,” Zmeskal-Burdette said. “Participation in the Tyson Fitness Challenge will help today’s youth see how fun it is to be fit."

 

“We are excited to have world-class athletes like Kim on board with USA Gymnastics and the Tyson Fitness Challenge and helping our nation’s children become more physically fit,” said Steve Penny, president of USA Gymnastics. “Her love of the sport and helping kids will no doubt have a positive impact on the kids at Texas Dreams Gymnastics/EveryBody Fits.”

 

Approximately 40 kids participate in the Tyson Fitness Challenge every Friday at Texas Dreams Gymnastics/EveryBody Fits. The program, which began earlier this month and will run during the course of eight weeks, offers the flexibility of three classes each Friday. Texas Dreams Gymnastics/EveryBody Fits also will host a Tyson Fitness Challenge boot camp for its team gymnasts, as well as incorporate the Tyson Fitness Challenge into Kim’s Extreme Gymnastics Camp. 

 

Every child who signs up for the Tyson Fitness Challenge will receive a T-shirt displaying the logos of the Tyson Fitness Challenge, USA Gymnastics and Texas Dreams Gymnastics/EveryBody Fits. All of the team coaches also wear the T-shirts, which are on sale in the gym’s pro shop.

 

Texas Dreams Gymnastics/EveryBody Fits is also participating in the online fundraising for Children’s Miracle Network through the Tyson Fitness Challenge, involving both its recreational kids and 200 team gymnasts. Of the 20 teams, the one that raises the most money will receive a pizza slumber party at the gym. On National Gymnastics Day, Aug. 4, Texas Dreams Gymnastics/EveryBody Fits will host a flip-a-thon at the gym for all of its kids.

 

The Tyson Fitness Challenge, a joint initiative of USA Gymnastics and Tyson Foods, has two goals: helping today’s kids get more physically fit through fun activities; and raising money to help kids who are fighting illnesses through the Children’s Miracle Network. Geared toward youngsters, ages 4-16, the program is not about teaching gymnastics skills, but using gymnastics to help kids become more physically fit, as well as learn about a well-balanced diet. Held between March 3 and Aug. 4, 2007, the culmination of the Tyson Fitness Challenge is voluntary participation in raising funds for Children’s Miracle Network.

 

Since partnering in 2001, USA Gymnastics and its member clubs across the country have raised more than $645,000 for the Children’s Miracle Network. USA Gymnastics recently announced its goal to raise that total to $1 million by the end of 2008.

 

Children’s Miracle Network- the alliance of premier hospitals for children- is a non-profit organization dedicated to saving and improving the lives of children by raising funds for children’s hospitals across North America. Each year the 170 Children’s Miracle Network hospitals provide the finest medical care, life-saving research and preventative education to help millions of kids overcome diseases and injuries of every kind. For more information on Children’s Miracle Network visit www.childrensmiraclenetwork.org.