The United States Trampoline and Tumbling Association (U.S.T.A.), the oldest power tumbling and trampoline organization in the USA, brings the 2009 USTA Nationals to Amarillo next week. Over 100 teams with more than 1,200 athletes, from age 2 to 25 and both boys and girls, will compete for national championships in power tumbling, trampoline, and double-mini trampoline.

“This is a major sporting event for Amarillo. We expect that our guests will be seen in stores, restaurants and attractions around the area, bringing an estimated economic impact of $900,000 to Amarillo,” Jerry Holt, Vice President, Amarillo Convention & Visitor Council, says.

“The USTA is excited to come to Amarillo. The city has made everyone feel so welcome,” Patti Lingenfelter, USTA Executive Director, says.

Power tumbling competitors perform in a straight line on a 100' tumbling strip, compared with the Olympic gymnastics floor exercise that covers a 40' X 40' area.

Trampoline was a competitive sport in the 2004 and the 2008 Olympics. Athletes perform a 10 bounce routine on a 7' X 14' rectangular trampoline.

Double mini-trampoline athletes use two small trampolines in their competition, starting on one and moving to the other, before dismounting into a small 10’ X 20’ landing area.

Plan to see the March of Grand Champions on Thursday, June 18 at 12 noon. It includes a special performance by the USTA National Team. Later that day, many athletes and their families plan a special trip to Palo Duro Canyon State Park for dinner and to see the play TEXAS.

Competition starts at 9:00 a.m. each day, finishing by 5:00 p.m. the first four days and 1:00 p.m. the last day of competition. Competition will be in the Amarillo Civic Center Coliseum with some warm areas available in other rooms. Tickets will be sold at the door of the Amarillo Convention Center, with one-day passes starting at $11. You can visit the USTA web site for more information at www.usta1.org.

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The Amarillo CVC is the premier marketer of Amarillo. Our mission is to increase hotel and attraction visitors by promoting the Amarillo area as a unique destination.

Visit the Amarillo CVC website at www.visitamarillotx.com

Visit the U.S.T.A. website at www.usta1.org