The world may be gearing up for the 2016 Summer Olympic Games in Rio, but it is the Los Angeles School of Gymnastics(LASG) heating up with World and Olympic Champions from all over the globe to compete in what has become one of the largest multi-level rhythmic gymnastics competitions in the world, The L.A. Lights Tournament of Champions.
Just like the Olympic Games, this event is drawing the best female athletes from the US and around the world, including medalists from previous World and Olympic Games scheduled to compete. L.A. Lights takes place January 22-24 at Veterans Memorial Auditorium.
Headed by Executive Director of LASG, Alla Svirsky, the nation?s unparalleled leader in the gymnastics industry. Svirsky, a Gymnastics Hall of Fame member, three-time Olympic coach and seven time winner of USA Gymnastics Coach of the Year, has been working alongside Tanya Berenson, LASG General Manager and L.A. Lights Meet Manager, to make sure the 2016 L.A. Lights competition truly highlight the world?s best gymnasts.
Last week, world team member from Team Ukraine confirmed they will be sending the world champion group routine to compete in this visually stunning sport. Not to be outdone, the Belarus Team upped the ante by adding Melitina Stainouita, the 2013 World All-Around Silver Bronze, to their team.
Hours after Ukraine confirmed, the Israeli Maccabi Federation announced they will be competing bringing Sheli Sapir and Stefani Ivanzov to the tournament.
The toughest team to beat is, Team Ukraine, the 2015 European Gold Medal Champions. Made up entirely of Level 10 competitors, leading the team is Ganna Rizitadinora (who competed in the 2012 Summer Olympic Games and ranks #3 on the 2015 World Champion List) and Arina Charopa silver medal at the 2014 Youth Olympic Games.
One of the most anticipated L.A. Lights gymnasts is America?s own Isabella Connor, a student at LASG and a member of the United States Junior Olympic Team. Connor, a first-time Senior Level 10 competitor, is slated to take a position on the USA National Team. She will be up against L.A. native and U.S. National Team Member, Aliya Protto. Both women will be competing for the chance to win and also to establish placement domestically and globally to help pave the way for a spot on Rio 2016 Rhythmic Gymnastics Team.
?It is official, we have raised the bar this year and the Annual L.A. Lights Tournament of Champions has become one of the biggest rhythmic gymnastics event in the world.? states Berenson ?With the last minute additions of the Russian competitors, it?s really now an all
out re-match of the 2012 Summer Olympics and is anyone?s game.?
Teams scheduled to compete in the L.A. Lights Tournament of Rhythmic Gymnastics Champions: USA National Team, Sweden National Team, Ukraine National Team, Russia National Team, Belarus National Team, Italy National Team, Israel Maccabi Team, Puerto Rico National Team, Canada National Team, Australia National Team and New Zealand National Team.
For more information, visit the official website of the LA Lights Tournament www.lalightsmeet.com. For tickets to the LA Lights Tournament of Champions that will be on January 21-24, 2016 please contact LASG directly at (310) 204-1980
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