The athletes are co-chairs of the event, which takes place on Saturday (September 20), as USA Gymnastics and Right To Play USA - a global organisation that uses sport and play programmes to educate and empower children facing adversity, along with hundreds of gymnastics clubs across the nation, celebrate the sport and the importance of play for all children.

Activities will take place across four days to promote the benefits of gymnastics and the life skills it teaches, with a particular focus on providing opportunities for underprivileged children.

Among the planned events are gymnastics demonstrations and play-based learning games, while five gymnastics clubs will offer scholarships to a total of 101 underserved or underprivileged children.

As part of the USA Gymnastics and Right To Play partnership, 34 of the nation's member clubs have also been awarded a grant to help them offer opportunities to underprivileged children in their communities.

Norwegian Olympic speed skating champion Johann Olav Koss is the founder of Right To Play ©Getty Images


"National Gymnastics Day began as simply an opportunity to promote our great sport," said Steve Penny, President of USA Gymnastics.

"For more than 10 years, this special day has also grown into a time for giving back and helping those less fortunate.

"USA Gymnastics and Right To Play share the belief that play is important to the growth of today's youth, and we appreciate the many activities and initiatives our community has created to bring gymnastics and the spirit of play to those who are less fortunate."

Norwegian Olympic speed skating champion and founder of Right To Play Johann Olav Koss said he hopes this year's event will reach more than 10,000 children in cities and communities across the US.

"Right To Play began as an initiative to bring the power of sport and play to children living in countries affected by war, poverty and disease," he added.

"Our partnership with USA Gymnastics has helped us extend that reach to children in the United States who also do not have the opportunity to experience the power of play and how it can help them prepare for the future."

More information can be found here. 

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