By Kim Dunbar

Pictured above, L-R: Rebecca Bross, Fabian Hambüchen, & Nastia Liukin

On March 6th, Massachusetts will be tumbling with excitement when the state plays host to the prestigious Tyson American Cup for the first time in the event’s history. And the DCU Center in Worcester is more than ready for the event.

“This is a great area for gymnastics,” said Steve Penny, president of USA Gymnastics. “There is a lot of gymnastics activity in New England and it is densely populated with gymnastics clubs. It reinforces our confidence that there is such a strong following.”

Penny said the organization was looking to Boston for a place to hold the annual event ~ past sites include New York City, Orlando and Philadelphia ~ when survey results showed that fans preferred the event to happen in Worcester. The USA Gymnastics organization agreed: “We can be a big event in this city, instead of an event that just comes through a building,” Penny said.

Thanks to the help of Massachusetts Sports Partnership and Destination Worcester, the world of gymnastics will converge in Worcester for the 2010 Tyson American Cup. The Cup features an all-around format pitting some of the world’s most talented gymnasts in a head-to-head competition.

“This event is a lot of fun,” said Penny. “It’s like having an Olympics meet in your backyard,” he added. Penny said the level of competition in the Tyson American Cup can be compared to that of the World Championships and Olympic Games.

One of those great talents Penny refers to is United States gymnast Rebecca Bross of Plano, TX, who recently captured the all-around silver medal and uneven bars bronze medal at the 2009 World Championships in London. “This is a good competition with a lot of international gymnasts. It will be exciting for everyone to watch,” said the 16-year-old champion.

Bross will be joined by fellow American medalists Jonathan Horton (Houston, TX) and Tim McNeill (Falls Church, VA), as well as another female (Editor’s Note: the name of the fourth American competitor had not been released in time for this issue’s print deadline).

“I am very proud to be representing the U.S.,” said Bross. “I am looking forward to being able to compete and to being in this beautiful city,” she added.

Bross has trained with Olympic medalist Nastia Liukin, who is hosting the inaugural Nastia Liukin Supergirl Cup on March 5th at the DCU Center. The proceeds from this event, which will provide a competitive opportunity for the country’s top Junior Olympic gymnasts, will benefit the Nastia Liukin Fund, which gives out scholarships to young gymnasts who show ability and have a financial hardship.

Penny said the 2010 Tyson American Cup was outpacing sales of any other previous Cup. “It indicates that we made a good decision. The community is stepping up,” he explained. “The city has shown that they want to be a good partner and we will probably come back.”

Penny said the Tyson Cup features strong talent in an entertaining environment. “It will be a fun day to spend with the family,” he said.

For more information on or to purchase tickets for the Tyson American Cup or the Nastia Liukin Supergirl Cup, visit www.ticketmaster.com or call 1-800-745-3000.