24 Hour Fitness named Official Health and Fitness Club and Proud Partner of US Speedskating

Salt Lake City, UTAH - US Speedskating is pleased to announce 24 Hour Fitness has been named the Official Health and Fitness Club, and Proud Partner of US Speedskating through the 2010 Olympic Winter Games in Vancouver.

"US Speedskating and 24 Hour Fitness are a wonderful match," says USS Executive Director Bob Crowley. "Many of our athletes have used the terrific training opportunities at 24 Hour Fitness and those they provide at the three Olympic Training Centers across the United States for many years. We are delighted to have them now as an official sponsor of the US Speedskating Team."

U.S. Short Track Speedskater J.R. Celski (Federal Way, WA) and U.S. Long Track Speedskater Tucker Fredricks (Janesville, WI) will help promote the partnership between the organizations and will make personal appearances at select 24 Hour Fitness Clubs in the Salt Lake City area in the lead up to the Games.  Celski and his family have been members of 24 Hour Fitness for many years in Washington State and are excited to help promote the fitness center.

"I think it's great that 24 Hour Fitness and USS are partnered for this Olympic Season," Celski says. "24 Hour Fitness gives Olympic athletes a chance to get into top condition for their events in the Olympic Games. As an athlete, I face very hard training regimens and need a place to train to get into peak performance, and 24 Hour Fitness allows me to do so. Also, USS is made up of some of the most fit athletes in the Olympics, and we can inspire those at 24 Hour Fitness to get into top shape no matter what their circumstances."

As part of the partnership agreement, 24 Hour Fitness receives the rights to use USS marks and logos, have banner placement at American Cup and Championship events and provides USS athletes with discounted memberships at 24 Hour Fitness clubs around the country.

"24 Hour Fitness has been a long-time supporter of US Olympic National Governing Bodies and America's Olympic Team since the Athens 2004 Olympic Games," says Tony Wells, Chief Marketing Officer, 24 Hour Fitness. "We're pleased to welcome US Speedskating to the 24 Hour Fitness family and know that their athletes will continue to inspire and empower our members to achieve their athletic and fitness goals."

With more than 425 fitness clubs nationwide, 24 Hour Fitness is committed to healthy living and helping members reach personalized fitness goals. Its dedication to fitness coincides with the US Speedskating athletes' desire to reach peak performance levels at the 2010 Olympic Winter Games.

About US Speedskating

US Speedskating is a non-profit organization recognized by the United States Olympic Committee and the International Skating Union as the governing body for the sport of speedskating in the United States. Its mission is to be one of the premier speedskating organizations in the world through excellence in leadership, development and performance. To date, US Speedskating has won 75 Olympic medals, making it the most successful winter sport in the U.S.  In addition to their elite program, US Speedskating is responsible for the grassroots development of speedskating. For additional information about US Speedskating please visit www.usspeedskating.org.