Celebrating the Olympic Spirit at Grand Opening of Illinois Rhythmic Gymnastics Center October 22, 2011

Highland Park, IL—Celebrate the Olympic spirit at the Grand Opening of the Illinois Rhythmic Gymnastics Center (IRGC), which has produced more Olympians than any other in the United States. The Grand Opening will take place from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, October 22 at the Karger Recreational Center, 1850 Green Bay Road
in Highland Park, IL. Children ages 3 and up can participate in a trial rhythmic class, enjoy games and treats, and watch performances by current State and Regional Champions. Register for a rhythmic class and receive 10 percent off. For more information, or to register, call (847) 363-1559 or www.ilrhythmicgymnastics.com.

The sport of rhythmic gymnastics was added to the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. The sport, which has fans across the world, combines elements of ballet, gymnastics, dance and apparatus manipulation. Gymnasts compete with rope, clubs, hoop, ball and ribbon and free (floor routine). Top rhythmic gymnasts possess the qualities of balance, flexibility, coordination and strength, as well as the ability to compete under pressure.

The IRGC has many top gymnasts in the state and region. Training at IRGC are: First place State and Regional Champion in Level 6; First and Second place State and Regional Champions in Level 5; First and Second place Regional Champions in Level 4; First place State Champion in Level 4; and First, Second and Third place State Champions in Level 3. Several of the champions will perform at the Grand Opening on October 22.

IRGC coaches are: Marissa Pierce, five-time national team member, 2002 U.S. Rhythmic World Championship Team member and USA Rhythmic Gymnastics Sportsperson of the Year (2001); Sheila Stowe, a national competitor at the Junior Olympics and East/West Championships; and Megan Mallouk, a former international rhythmic competitor with the team Alts Stars.

The owner and founder of IRGC is Irina Vdovets, a respected name in the world of rhythmic gymnastics. She is a 2007 U.S. Gymnastics Hall of Fame inductee and former coach for Olympians Michele Berube, Jenifer Lovell and Diane Simpson-Bundy. For more information about Illinois Rhythmic Gymnastics Center, go to the website at: www.ilrhythmicgymnastics.com. Information about ongoing rhythmic gymnastics classes, both recreational and competitive, is available.

Official Website: http://www.ilrhythmicgymnastics.com