Tour to Shine down on Giant Gymnastics

SPARTA — In the world of gymnastics, the name Nastia Liukin is well known.

She will come to Giant Gymnastics from 5-7 p.m. on March 19. At the event, Liukin will share her story with the girls, answer questions, take photos, and autograph memorabilia. The evening also includes dinner catered by Subway.

Liukin is the 2008 Olympic Gold All-Around medalist, and can boast a total of 5 Olympic medals and 9 World Championship medals. Today, Liukin is known for much more than her run as a gymnastic champion. Liukin is a student at New York University, a commentator for NBC Sports and the founder of the Nastia Liukin Fund.

More recently, Liukin has been touring the country to meet with groups of young girls to tell them her story, and encourage them to find their “Shine.” Known as the Shine Tour, the evening isn’t about gymnastics. According to the Shine Tour website, “it’s a chance for Nastia to interact with girls of all ages — athletes and non-athletes — to share her story and talk with them about the issues they are facing.”

Liukin even addresses what some might think is her worst day — the 2012 Olympic trials — and tells how that was a positive and defining moment in her life.

Space will be limited to this event, which is open to the general public. Tickets are $125. For reservations, please call Giant Gymnastics at 973-579-9400.