Tyson Foods Unveils USA Gymnastics National Sponsorship ; And Powers Up the Tyson American Cup
February 22, 2006 / Indianapolis, Ind.
Tyson Foods and USA Gymnastics today jointly announced Tyson’s three-year sponsorship of USA Gymnastics, which will extend through the 2008 Olympic Summer Games in Beijing, China. In this role, the company will headline the Tyson American Cup, one of the sport’s premier international invitationals, scheduled for March 4 at Philadelphia’s Liacouras Center at Temple University. This partnership is a natural extension of Tyson’s 2004 associate sponsorship of USA Gymnastics’ post-Olympic championship tour.
In addition to the Tyson American Cup, Tyson Foods will work together with USA Gymnastics to develop a grassroots fitness and nutrition initiative geared toward encouraging today’s youth to discover a healthy lifestyle that includes physical activity and a well-balanced diet incorporating protein. This program will be activated on the local level through USA Gymnastics member clubs and professional members.
"This sponsorship is an outgrowth of a very successful partnership in 2004," said Steve Penny, president of USA Gymnastics. "Tyson’s message of power through protein resonates with our athletes and together we will educate as many Americans as possible about the importance of physical activity and sound nutrition. Our initiative will be designed to have a major impact on improving the health of today's youth through the solid foundation of basic conditioning."
With this partnership Tyson will power gymnasts by providing high-quality chicken, beef and pork to the USA Gymnastics National Training Center in Huntsville, Texas. These protein-filled products will assist athletes in developing and maintaining the strength and endurance they need to perform at a higher level.
"We are excited to be part of this outstanding group of athletes who understand that the energy that comes from a protein-rich, well-balanced diet enables them to perform their best," said Bob Corscadden, Tyson's senior vice president and chief marketing officer. "Protein, as part of a meal, increases power and strength. This partnership allows us to communicate the importance of protein and nutrition to millions of Americans in an exciting way."
The Tyson American Cup, which has grown into one of the most prestigious international invitationals since its inception in 1976, showcases the world’s top male and female gymnasts as they compete for prize money and the coveted all-around title. In 2006, the Tyson American Cup is expected to feature gymnasts from the United States, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, Japan, Netherlands, Romania and Russia. The event will be televised live on NBC Sports at 1 p.m. EST on March 4th. The 2006 Tyson American Cup is also the first major international event in the United States, and one of the first in the world, to use the new scoring system for gymnastics that allows gymnasts to earn scores above the traditional 10.0.
About Tyson Foods
Tyson Foods, Inc. [NYSE: TSN], 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 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, which are marketed under the “Powered by Tyson™” strategy. Tyson is the recognized market leader in the retail and foodservice markets it serves, providing products and service to customers throughout the United States and more than 80 countries. The company has approximately 114,000 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, acrobatic gymnastics. For more information, log on to www.usa-gymnastics.org.