Olympic gold medallists to co-chair National Gymnastics Day

Olympic medallists Nastia Liukin and Peter Vidmar will co-chair this year's National Gymnastics Day ©USA Gymnastics

This year’s National Gymnastics Day in the United States will be co-chaired by 2008 Olympic all-around champion Nastia Liukin and 1984 Olympic gold medallist Peter Vidmar, USA Gymnastics has announced.

The event, which takes place on September 19, focuses on fitness and gymnastics, allowing children who do not usually have access to facilities to try the sport.

The 2015 edition takes on even greater significance as organisers are attempting to go global through their “Show Your Salute” challenge, where participants, fans and gymnasts can share their photos from the event across social media platforms including Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Prizes will then be offered to those who show the most creativity in their photos showing their salute after they have performed a gymnastic skill.

“I am honoured to join Peter as a co-chair of National Gymnastics Day,” Russian-born American Liukin said.

“I participated in National Gymnastics Day when I was on the national team, and I look forward to being a part of this special day once again.

“I hope gymnasts around the globe will participate in the salute challenge because it is a fun way to celebrate gymnastics and to demonstrate its popularity on all levels."

Beijing 2008 all-around gold medallist Nastia Liukin says she is honoured to be involved with the event — Beijing 2008 all-around champion Nastia Liukin says she is honoured to be involved with National Gymnastics Day ©Getty Images

National Gymnastics Day is a celebration of the sport in America and has evolved into an annual promotion of gymnastics, with this year’s set to include a stronger social media presence as well as the usual charitable activities.

“The United States gymnastics community has embraced National Gymnastics Day as an opportunity to celebrate the sport and to give back to their communities,” USA Gymnastics President Steve Penny added.

“The year before the Olympics is the ideal time to invite the world to join us in promoting gymnastics as a fun way to help youth become physically active and learn skills that will help them throughout their lives.

“We hope more countries will adopt National Gymnastics Day, and the ‘Show Your Salute Challenge’ will be a fun way for people of all ages to be a part of the worldwide celebration.”