USA Gymnastics designates Tulsa competition as part of Olympic qualification

2.17.2012
The US Elite Challenge in Tulsa March 30 through April 1 will be the first step for gymnasts on the road to the 2012 Olympic Games in London according to USA Gymnastics representative Ron Jacobson at a Tulsa Sports Commission press conference yesterday.
 
Held at the newly renovated Tulsa Convention Center, the three-day US Elite Challenge showcases the nation’s best in men’s and women’s trampoline, tumbling, synchronized trampoline and double mini-trampoline.

“It’s a great thing to see national organizations like USA Gymnastics choose Tulsa as their destination,” Ray Hoyt, senior vice president of VisitTulsa and the Tulsa Sports Commission said. “We’re especially excited to see the future gymnasts of the 2012 London Olympic Games competing right here in Tulsa.”

According to Ron Jacobson, director of program development for the national governing body organization, USA Gymnastics decided that Tulsa was the best fit to kick off the road to the 2012 Olympic Games for their Olympic competitors. The US Elite Challenge will be the first in a set of three pre-qualifiers and is the first step to London for USA Gymnastics Olympic athletes.

“The Elite Challenge is the first step in becoming an Olympian,” said Jacobson. “To vie for that one spot in London, for the Olympics, the best in trampoline and tumbling are coming to Tulsa for this event.”

The event is expected to create an economic impact of nearly $1 million and hotel rooms have already started to fill with the more than 400 competitors and teams traveling to Tulsa for the US Elite Challenge.

“Businesses, restaurants and retailers enjoy a boost while the more than 400 competitors are in town,” Mike Neal, president and CEO of the Tulsa Metro Chamber said. “The Tulsa Sports Commission continues to book successful events and is a great asset to both the Chamber and the community. Since its inception, the TSC has created a total economic impact of nearly $300 million.”

The Tulsa Sports Commission is part of VisitTulsa, the Tulsa Metro Chamber’s convention and visitors program. The TSC’s mission is to attract major sporting events like the US Elite Challenge to the Tulsa region, creating a positive economic impact and enhancing the quality of life, while simultaneously bolster national recognition of Tulsa through partnerships with organizations like USA Gymnastics.

“The Tulsa region is booming with exciting new things,” Mike Neal, president and CEO of the Tulsa Metro Chamber said. “With so much to do around the metro, it’s great to see national organizations like USA Gymnastics take advantage of our great qualities and choose Tulsa for events like the US Elite Challenge.”


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