Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Governor Culver Proclaims October 17, 2007
"Shawn Johnson Day" In Iowa
Governor: “Shawn Johnson is an amazing young woman”
(Des Moines) On Wednesday, October 17, Governor Chet Culver, hundreds of Iowans including gymnasts from Central Iowa greeted 2007 World Gymnastics Champion Shawn Johnson at the Iowa State Historical Building. Governor Culver proclaimed today “Shawn Johnson Day” in the State of Iowa. Johnson’s star continues to rise in the world of international gymnastics. Shawn has won the 2007 Pan-American All-Around, the 2007 American Cup All-Around, the 2007 National Championship and the 2007 World Championship.
“Shawn Johnson is an amazing young woman,” said Governor Culver. “Her awards and honors are many, and I congratulate her for all she has done in her 15 short years.”
Shawn Johnson, a West Des Moines native, was accompanied by her parents and numerous family members. Students from Valley High School, where Shawn is a sophomore, were in attendance, as well as more than 100 young gymnasts from area gymnastics studios. “Everything that’s happened to me is so overwhelming,” said Shawn Johnson. “I thank Governor Culver for proclaiming today ‘Shawn Johnson Day.’ It’s such a huge honor and I am grateful that so many people came out to celebrate with me. I’m so proud to be from Iowa!”
Also today, sporting goods giant adidas announced a major sponsorship deal with Shawn, celebrating her competitive spirit and quest for competition in Beijing. adidas has a long history of supporting Olympic athletes since the 1928 games in Amsterdam. Shawn joins a list of Olympic athletes including Nadia Comaneci and 2008 hopefuls Allyson Felix, Jeremy Wariner and Tyson Gaye. adidas is an official sponsor of the USA Gymnastics team and an official sponsor of the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
“What better day to announce our partnership with Shawn than on ‘Shawn Johnson Day?’ We are thrilled to welcome her to the adidas family,” explained Martyn Brewer, Director of Sports Marketing, adidas America. “Shawn’s dedication and humility is an inspiration to athletes around the world. She embodies everything that is good in sport and her story exemplifies the Impossible is Nothing spirit.
The ceremony, hosted by former gymnast Jeriann Ritter from WHO TV 13 in Des Moines, was held in the atrium at the Iowa State Historical Building, where Governor Culver read a proclamation proclaiming October 17, 2007 Shawn Johnson Day. Shawn’s coaches, Liang Qiao (Chow) and Liwen Zhuang (Li) were in attendance, as were representatives from USA Gymnastics. A framed Congressional Record from Congressman Leonard Boswell was presented to Shawn Johnson before the ceremony. Also, Shawn’s favorite athlete, cyclist Lance Armstrong who was unable to attend the ceremony, sent a letter congratulating Shawn on her World Championship win. Five adidas gym bags, signed by Shawn Johnson, were raffled off.
Governor Culver said, “Shawn Johnson is a role model for thousands of girls in Iowa and millions more around the country and the world. I am proud that she represents herself, her family, her state and her nation with grace and dignity. We wish her the best of luck as she heads to Beijing, China for the 2008 Summer Olympics.”