2012 Visa Championships

The following is an overview of the fan activities taking place during the Visa Championships: 

Opening Ceremony/World Record Attempt: Gymnastics enthusiasts and the general public are invited to the opening ceremony on Thursday, June 7 at 11:30 a.m. outside Chaifetz Arena.  Included in the opening ceremony will be an attempt to set a world record for the longest balance beam.  More information will be available in the coming weeks.

Morning fitness: Downtown workers and fans can start the day off with a 60-minute workout at the Arch.  Each day will have a different workout:  June 7 – yoga at 6:30 a.m.; June 8 – Zumba at 7:30 a.m.; and June 9 – boot camp at 8:30 a.m.

Painting at Chaifetz Arena: Fans can help create an original painting that will become a part of the history of the 2012 Visa Championships.  Interested individuals will have the opportunity to dip their hands and feet into paint and do handstands, cartwheels or walk across the canvas to develop a communal piece of art.  Painting at Chaifetz will take place during the Visa Fan Fest.  Those expected to participate include gymnasts competing in the event, local and gymnastics celebrities and dignitaries, fans, and aspiring gymnasts.  The finished canvas will be featured during the final session of the Visa Championships, and pieces of the canvas will be presented as special gifts to selected organizations and individuals affiliated with the event.  Painting at Chaifetz is presented by Art of the Olympians, founded by Cathy Oerter and her late husband, Al, who was a four-time Olympic discus champion.  Works of Al Oerter provide the background in the signage and visual imagery for the 2012 Visa Championships.

USA Gymnastics Fitness Zone: Kids can have fun and gain knowledge about the importance of fitness through the interactive USA Gymnastics Fitness Zone.  The zone features activities in building strength, flexibility and cardiovascular exercise.  The Fitness Zone will be featured on the concourse at Chaifetz Arena and the Visa Fan Fest.

Visa Fan Fest: Fans can gather for fun between the event sessions on June 8-10 and after the competition on June 10.  The Visa Fan Fest will be a great place to mingle and enjoy music, autographs, food, Painting at Chaifetz, the USA Gymnastics Fitness Zone and other fun activities, as well as buy merchandise.

WGYM: Two-time Olympic gold-medalist Shannon Miller and 2007 U.S. all-around champion David Durante will host WGYM, the in-house radio broadcast for men’s and women’s gymnastics.  WGYM provides running commentary on the competition, as well as fun facts about the sport and the competitors.  Radios will be available at Chaifetz Arena.

Merchandise:  Fans can purchase everything gymnastics from event-specific tees to the newest adidas leotards at both Chaifetz and the Visa Fan Fest. USA Gymnastics is proud to accept only Visa, along with cash.