Launched in October 2012, the focus of the Global Ambassador programme is to send elite athletes and coaches to countries defined as "developing countries" in various gymnastics disciplines, including men's and women's artistic gymnastics, rhythmic gymnastics, trampoline and tumbling, acrobatic gymnastics and group gymnastics.

Developing countries are those that are not yet competing in the World Championships on a regular basis and those that are deemed to require assistance promoting the sport to achieve more awareness and growth.

The programme is run in partnership with the United States Olympic Committee (USOC), the American Athletic Institute (AAI) and the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG), and will see USA Gymnastics providing athletes and coaches as consultants to the four countries to stimulate the growth of the sport and athlete development across a number of levels.


AAI, a long-time partner of USA Gymnastics, will assist with equipment requests for approved Global Ambassador programme partners.

"USA Gymnastics received a number of quality requests, and we are going to work to build this programme over time," said Steve Penny, President of USA Gymnastics.

"These four countries had well-defined programmes and needs that we felt could have an immediate impact on their athlete development pipelines.

"And, each will help provide examples of how we can aid other countries.

"We are confident this is a great start for this programme, and look forward to working with other countries on how we can assist them as well."

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