USA Gymnastics announces first Global Ambassador Program recipients

Lausanne (SUI)/Indianapolis (USA), August 6, 2013: USA Gymnastics announced today that Bermuda, Denmark, Panama and South Africa will receive support through the Global Ambassador Program, which was announced in 2012 and is designed to assist countries with the development of gymnastics worldwide.

“USA Gymnastics received a number of quality requests, and we are going to work to build this program over time,” said Steve Penny, president of USA Gymnastics. “These four countries had well-defined programs and needs that we felt could have an immediate impact on their athlete development pipelines. And, each will help provide examples of how we can aid other countries. We are confident this is a great start for this program, and look forward to working with other countries on how we can assist them as well.”

In partnership with the U.S. Olympic Committee (USOC), AAI and the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG), the USA Gymnastics Global Ambassador Program will provide U.S. athletes and coaches as consultants on a request basis to developing countries to stimulate the growth of the sport and athlete development at many levels. AAI, a long-time partner of USA Gymnastics, will assist with equipment requests for approved Global Ambassador Program partners. Developing countries are those that are not yet competing in the World Championships on a frequent basis and/or those that could use help promoting the sport to achieve more awareness and growth. —- FIG/from USA Gymnastics Media Office