Technique.2010 4/9/04 1:29 PM Page 1 USA GYMNASTICS MESSAGE February brings with it some interesting news - a new partner and the departure of an icon in the gymnastics industry. It is also the big month for our cousins – the winter sports that will be featured at the 2010 Olympic Winter Games. Just recently, USA Gymnastics and Warner Bros. Consumer Products announced that the Supergirl brand, based on the DC Comics’ character, will be the title sponsor of the 2010 Nastia Liukin Supergirl Cup. Recognized as a symbol of strength, leadership and female empowerment, the Supergirl S-shield uniquely embodies the intelligence, independence, and creativity of women. This is an ideal partnership for the event, which features the next generation of stars for our sport at the elite and collegiate level. The Nastia Liukin Supergirl Cup gives athletes a unique and up-close look at what lies ahead at the elite level. These athletes will interact with the best gymnasts in the world and compete on the same podium and apparatus as the Tyson American Cup participants. It is wonderful to have a company like Warner Bros. Consumer Products and the Supergirl brand support the sport of women’s gymnastics. They were inspired by Nastia’s integrity, commitment to giving back, sportsmanship and leadership, and believe gymnastics connects with the Supergirl brand’s support of today’s action sports girl. We are really looking forward to the inaugural Nastia Liukin Supergirl Cup. Already gymnasts have been chosen from a few invitationals in the Nastia Liukin Cup Series. We also recently learned that Sallie Weaver will be retiring from GK/Elite Sportswear, a company she has owned and managed for 29 years. For many years, Sallie and GK Elite Sportswear have been an important partner to USA Gymnastics, providing the highest quality of team apparel to the national Repetition team (through the adidas partnership) and the Junior Olympic program. Her commitment to the athlete is at the forefront of her business and her drive for perfection can only be characterized as a 10.0. Sallie will remain a partner in the GK/Elite business but is leaving the day-to-day operations Shouldn’t Hurt in the capable hands of a restructured management team. USA Gymnastics would like to thank Sallie for everything she has done for our athletes and the industry. We are confident in the team of individuals that will continue her great work and commitment to excellence. We will miss her smile and energy, but trust that her heart and soul will remain close to the sport. Finally, February is an Olympic month and the eyes of the world will be on Vancouver, B.C., host city BUNGEE INCLINE for the 2010 Winter Olympic Games. Even though gymnastics is not a winter sport, this event still provides a unique opportunity to celebrate sport. Think about the great examples many of these Using Air Cushioned Technology athletes provide for young gymnasts of all levels. Support Team USA and follow the Olympics. Full The new Bungee Incline, as well as coverage will be available on NBC Sports, MSNBC.com and NBCOlympics.com, with news and analysis many other Tumbl Trak™ products can available on Universal Sports. Think of how many of these athletes were positively impacted by be used to train a wide range of skills— some involvement and/or exposure to gymnastics! Stay warm! from beginner to elite. Want to see our products in action? See you in the Gym, Go to www.tumbltrak.com and choose from hundreds of clips from the Training Tips video collection. Steve Penny President & CEO www.tumbltrak.com (800) 331-4362 4 TECHNIQUE • F E BRUARY 2010.