Chicago Park District wraps up Tyson Fitness Challenge

CHICAGO, Feb. 21, 2009 - In recognition of their hard work, approximately 400 of the 4,400 gymnasts who participated in the Chicago Park District's Tyson Fitness Challenge earned tickets to attend the 2009 Tyson American Cup on Feb. 21 at the Sears Centre Arena in Hoffman Estates, Ill. For six weeks, gymnasts at Chicago Park District facilities took part in the Tyson Fitness Challenge, a local six-week fitness initiative geared to help today's youth achieve active, healthy lifestyles.

USA Gymnastics partnered with Chicago 2016, World Sport Chicago and the Chicago Park District to hold the Tyson Fitness Challenge as part of community-based programming to promote sport and engage young people in physical activity, as well as to get them excited about the 2009 Tyson American Cup.

"We are very excited to welcome participants from the Tyson Fitness Challenge to the Tyson American Cup," said Steve Penny, president of USA Gymnastics. "During the six weeks, they learned about the importance of remaining physically fit and following a well-balanced diet. We hope this will serve as the beginning of lifelong habits of physical activity and healthy eating."

As part of its contribution, World Sport Chicago worked with global health care company Abbott to sponsor 400 tickets to the Tyson American Cup for Chicago Park District youth, all of whom participated in the Tyson Fitness Challenge this winter.

"The Tyson Fitness Challenge aligns with our goals to bring programming to youth that shows how participation in sport and a healthy and active lifestyle can lead to new opportunities," said Bill Scherr, chairman of World Sport Chicago. "Being able to bring kids from the Chicago Park District program to such a prestigious event is an ideal way to further engage and excite them about all that sport has to offer."

The Chicago Park District incorporated the fitness program into its gymnastics curriculum, focusing on four fundamental components: cardiovascular exercise, strength training, flexibility and nutrition. Each of these is critical to developing a strong fitness base for everyone, not only those in the sport of gymnastics, but also those participating in other sports and activities.

The Tyson Fitness Challenge started the second week of January and concluded this past week.

"This challenge was a perfect opportunity to engage our youth and emphasize the importance of developing a healthy lifestyle through nutrition and exercise," said Chicago Park District General Superintendent and CEO Timothy Mitchell.

The Tyson Fitness Challenge in the Chicago Park District is part of a national program that is held in gymnastics clubs across the country throughout the year. In addition, the national Tyson Fitness Challenge is the vehicle for the gymnastics community to raise funds for the Children's Miracle Network as part of annual celebrations for National Gymnastics Day. In just eight years, the gymnastics family has raised more than $1 million for the Children's Miracle Network. National Gymnastics Day for 2009 is Sept. 12.

For more information on the Tyson Fitness Challenge and/or the Tyson American Cup, go to www.usa-gymnastics.org.

About the Tyson American Cup
The 2009 Tyson American Cup features an all-around format and a mix of the world's top gymnasts and rising stars. Representing the United States are: 2008 Olympic silver-medalist Bridget Sloan of Pittsboro, Ind.; 2008 Olympic bronze-medalist Joseph Hagerty of Rio Rancho, N.M.; 2008 U.S. all-around champion David Sender of Arlington Heights, Ill.; and 2008 U.S. junior all-around champion Jordyn Wieber of Dewitt, Mich. Ten 2008 Olympians, including five all-around finalists in Beijing, are in the 2009 Tyson American Cup field. The list of former champions includes some of the sport's best-known names, including Bart Conner, Paul Hamm, Shawn Johnson, Nastia Liukin, Shannon Miller, Carly Patterson, Mary Lou Retton and Peter Vidmar. For ticket information, visit www.usa-gymnastics.org.

About Sears Centre Arena
Sears Centre Arena is an 11,200 seat multi purpose family entertainment, cultural, and sports arena located in Hoffman Estates' Prairie Stone Business Park. Sears Centre Arena has hosted international events in the past such as the FIVB World League match up between Olympic Gold Medalist USA Men's Volleyball and Bulgaria. Coming events at the Sears Centre Arena include the 17 show run of Cirque Du Soleil Saltimbanco, the recently announced Eagles concert - Long Road Out of Eden Tour, and more! For more information regarding Sears Centre Arena and coming events, please visit the arena's new website at www.searscentre.com.

About World Sport Chicago
World Sport Chicago (WSC) is an Illinois not-for-profit working to enhance the image, awareness and participation in Olympic sports across Chicago and to extend Chicago's international outreach through and for sport and youth. Focused on promoting the development of recreational and competitive sport to the area's youth, WSC works closely with Chicago 2016 and Chicago's 2016's Athlete Advisory Counsel (AAC) to provide sport expertise and athlete insight to the execution of these sporting events. WSC intends to aid Chicago in developing a sustainable, international sporting legacy as a real agent of social change for the city. William Scherr, an Olympic medalist in wrestling, is chairman of the board and Scott Myers serves as the executive director.

About Tyson Foods, Inc
Tyson Foods, Inc., founded in 1935 with headquarters in Springdale, Arkansas, is the world's largest processor and marketer of chicken, beef and pork, the second-largest food production company in the Fortune 500 and a member of the S&P 500. The company produces a wide variety of protein-based and prepared food products and is the recognized market leader in the retail and foodservice markets it serves. Tyson provides products and service to customers throughout the United States and more than 90 countries. The company has approximately 107,000 Team Members employed at more than 300 facilities and offices in the United States and around the world. Through its Core Values, Code of Conduct and Team Member Bill of Rights, Tyson strives to operate with integrity and trust and is committed to creating value for its shareholders, customers and Team Members. The company also strives to be faith-friendly, provide a safe work environment and serve as stewards of the animals, land and environment entrusted to it.

About USA Gymnastics
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 information, log on to www.usa-gymnastics.org.