San Jose, Calif., will host 2009 U.S. Junior Olympic Trampoline and Tumbling National Championships

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind., June 20, 2009 – More than 1,600 gymnasts who compete in trampoline and tumbling will participate in the 2009 U.S. Junior Olympic Trampoline and Tumbling National Championships, June 24-29, at the McEnery Convention Center in San Jose, Calif. The six-day event features competitions for Levels 5-10 in trampoline, double-mini trampoline, synchronized trampoline and tumbling for both men and women. 

To qualify for the event, athletes must meet the qualifying criteria and score requirements which vary by category and event. Gymnasts in Levels 5-10 are ranked by their level of expertise, with 10 being the highest and just below elite. Gymnasts represent 200 clubs from 37 states.

The Regional All-Stars Competition features the Level 10 regional champions vying for the title of Grand Champion as the best overall Regional All-Star Team. The region accumulating the highest combined score is named the Grand Champion Team.

The event competition schedule is: June 24 – Level 10 synchronized trampoline, 4 p.m.; June 25 – Levels 8-10 trampoline, tumbling and double mini-trampoline, 8:15 a.m. and 1 p.m.; June 26 -- Levels 8-10 trampoline, tumbling and double mini-trampoline at 9:15 a.m. and Level 10 trampoline, tumbling and double mini-trampoline finals at 4 p.m.; June 27 – Levels 8-9 trampoline, tumbling and double mini-trampoline at 2:15 p.m., and Regional All-stars Competition at 6 p.m.; June 28 – Levels 5-7 trampoline, tumbling and double mini-trampoline, 8 a.m. and 1:15 p.m.; and June 29 – Levels 5-7 trampoline, tumbling and double mini-trampoline, 8:15 a.m. and 2:15 p.m. For the complete schedule, go to www.usa-gymnastics.org/tt/events/2009/jochampionships.php. 

Daily tickets are available at the Box Office for $12 per person or $20 for a two-day pass, plus applicable local fees, except for tickets to the June 24 session and the Regional All-stars Competition are $5. Children 8-years and under are admitted free. 

The McEnery Convention Center hosted the trampoline and tumbling competition for the 2008 Pacific Rim Gymnastics Championships presented by Gillette Venus.

Trampoline events involve athletes using trampolines that can propel them up to 30 feet in the air, during which they can perform single, double and twisted somersaults. Tumbling utilizes elevated spring runways that enable athletes to jump at heights over 10 feet and execute a variety of acrobatic maneuvers. Double mini competition involves the athlete making a short run and leaping onto a small two-level trampoline. The athlete will then perform an aerial maneuver and dismount onto a landing mat. 

Based in Indianapolis, USA Gymnastics is the national governing body for gymnastics in the United States. Its mission is to encourage participation and the pursuit of excellence in the sport. Its disciplines include men’s and women’s artistic gymnastics, rhythmic gymnastics, trampoline and tumbling, and acrobatic gymnastics. For more complete information, log on to www.usa-gymnastics.org.