World’s Best Gymnasts Coming to Fairfax for 2003 Visa American Cup

Olympic Gold Medalist Dominique Dawes to serve as Co-Chair
Indianapolis – The 2003 Visa American Cup, one of the most prestigious international competitions on the gymnastics calendar, is scheduled for March 1, at the Patriot Center on the campus of George Mason University. This world-class event, held for the sixth time in Fairfax, is the first stop on the road to the 2003 World Championships next summer in Anaheim, Calif….

December 4, 2002

Olympic Gold Medalist Dominique Dawes to serve as Co-Chair

Indianapolis – The 2003 Visa American Cup, one of the most prestigious international competitions on the gymnastics calendar, is scheduled for March 1, at the Patriot Center on the campus of George Mason University. This world-class event, held for the sixth time in Fairfax, is the first stop on the road to the 2003 World Championships next summer in Anaheim, Calif., and the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, Greece.

“USA Gymnastics is excited to bring the Visa American Cup back to the D.C. area to build on the strong legacy of amateur sports in the community,” said Bob Colarossi, President of USA Gymnastics. “The event is one of the most competitive in the world and kicks off an extremely important year for the U.S. team. The athletes you’ll see, both U.S. and international, will be the frontrunners at the 2003 World Championships next summer in Anaheim, Calif., and the 2004 Olympic Games.”

2003 marks the return of the American Cup to the D.C. area. Virginia hosted the event from 1986 through 1990 when Bela Karolyi‘s star gymnasts Kristie Phillips (1986-87), Phoebe Mills (1988) and Kim Zmeskal (1990) were crowned champions. Additionally, Chesapeake Region’s own Dominique Dawes, Olympic Gold Medalist and 1994 Visa American Cup Champion, will serve as co-chair of the 2003 Visa American Cup.

“Bringing this event to the D.C. area is great for our community,” said Dan Knise, President/CEO of Washington D.C. 2012 and co-chair of the Visa American Cup Local Organizing Committee. “It gives our kids a chance to see world-class athletes up close while experiencing international competition at it’s finest.” The competition features America’s rising stars challenged by the world’s best for the coveted all-around title. The roster will be announced early 2003 and is expected to include athletes from the United States, Russia, Romania, Ukraine, Cuba, Canada and China.

The 2003 Visa American Cup will be televised live on NBC, and tickets go on sale to the general public October 15, through Ticketmaster, local gymnastics clubs or the Patriot Center Box Office.

“As the Official Card of USA Gymnastics, Visa is committed to supporting gymnastics, one of America’s premiere Olympic sports,” said Jennifer Hemmer, Director of Event and Sponsorship Marketing for Visa USA. “Our sponsorship enables us to provide valuable resources to these hard working athletes as they train and prepare for competitions here and abroad.”