For immediate release January 29, 2014 2014 Pacific Rim Championships coming to the Richmond Olympic Oval Tickets go on sale this Saturday

Vancouver, British Columbia, – One of gymnastics’ premier international events, the 2014 Pacific Rim Gymnastics Championships, is set to take place at the Richmond Olympic Oval. Taking place April 9 to 12, the championships feature some of the world’s best artistic, trampoline and rhythmic gymnasts.

“This competition is about building strong relationships and friendships among the Pacific Rim nations. I would like to thank Gymnastics Canada and Gymnastics BC for accepting to host these championships in Richmond, BC,” said Jean-Paul Caron, President, Pacific Alliance of National Gymnastics Federations. “Canada is renowned for being one the best hosts in the world with warm and friendly hospitality. We are extremely pleased to be back in Canada for the 2014 Pacific Rim Championships.”

Close to 300 athletes from 17 countries around the Pacific Ocean are expected to compete. Perennial Olympic favourites Japan, China, Russia and the United States are among the countries confirmed for the championships.

“Hosting international sport events like these championships offers an opportunity for our athletes to compete against some of the world’s best, while bringing a welcome boost to the local economy. This is why our Government is pleased to support this event,” said the Honourable Bal Gosal, Minister of State (Sport). “I want to convey my best wishes to our athletes as they continue their pursuit of excellence here at home.”

“It means a lot to be hosting such a prestigious international event here in British Columbia,” said Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development Coralee Oakes. “The Pacific Rim Gymnastics Championships will bring athletes, families and fans from all over the world to Richmond and will further cement B.C.’s reputation as a top-tier sport destination. Even better—our athletes are sure to benefit from the support of a home crowd.”

“This is a rare opportunity to see some of the very best competitors in the world in , rhythmic gymnastics and trampoline all competing together under one roof,” said Richmond Mayor Malcolm Brodie. “We’re proud to continue the Richmond Olympic Oval’s legacy as one of the premier venues of the 2010 Olympic Winter Games and to continue to build our reputation as an international destination of choice for championship-calibre events in a wide range of summer and winter sports.”

Ticket sales begin February 1

Public ticket sales begin on Saturday, February 1 with two categories of tickets:

• General Admission: Youth (6-17) and Seniors (65+) - $15; Adult - $20 plus taxes and service fees • Priority Seating: $35 plus taxes and service fees

Combo packs for both general admission and priority seating are available for select days, offering savings to gymnastics fans.

All tickets can be purchased on line at www.pacificrimchamps.eventbrite.com .

RICHMOND OLYMPIC OVAL, APRIL 9-12, 2014 HOSTED BY GYMNASTICS CANADA & GYMNASTICS BC WWW.PACIFICRIMCHAMPS.COM

Canadian gymnastics has risen to new and impressive heights.

At the 2012 Olympics, Ontario’s Rosannah MacLennan won gold in trampoline; Canada’s only gold medal of the Games. At the same time, Canada’s women’s artistic gymnastics team, including Coquitlam’s Brittany Rogers, finished a best-ever fifth.

In 2013, North Vancouver’s Scott Morgan became the first Canadian man to qualify for a world championships’ event final since in 2006. Ontario’s Victoria Moors made headlines as she successfully completed a new move that is named after her and required a new level of difficulty to be added to the code of points.

“Gymnastics in Canada is experiencing remarkable increases in participation at all levels and unprecedented international success,” said Brian Forrester, Gymnastics BC’s CEO. “Hosting this major international competition in B.C., in an Olympic legacy venue and in the lead-up to the 2016 Olympics is a great opportunity for our members and the province.”

The championships are receiving support from all levels of government.

Funding has been secured from the federal, provincial and municipal governments.

“I am thrilled that all levels of government have recognized the value of this international gymnastics championship and have committed their support to this event,” added Forrester.

The Pacific Rim Championships (known as the Pacific Alliance Championship until 2008) were last held in Canada in 2002 in Burnaby. Recent hosts include Honolulu in 2004 and 2006; San Jose in 2008; Melbourne in 2010; and Everett in 2012. At the past four summer Olympics, Pacific Rim countries have combined for a total of 101 gymnastics Olympic medals including 37 gold.

The 2014 Pacific Rim Championships are hosted by Gymnastics Canada and Gymnastics BC. Taking place at the Richmond Olympic Oval from April 9 to 12, the event features the top male and female gymnasts from the Pacific Rim countries in artistic (men’s and women’s) gymnastics, rhythmic gymnastics and trampoline. Full details are available at www.pacificrimchamps.com .

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Contact

Sandra Lewis Communications Director Gymnastics BC B) 604-333-3492 C) 778-689-9007 [email protected]

RICHMOND OLYMPIC OVAL, APRIL 9-12, 2014 HOSTED BY GYMNASTICS CANADA & GYMNASTICS BC WWW.PACIFICRIMCHAMPS.COM