GK. Choice of Champions.

GK and Unite for HER, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing breast cancer programs and initiatives, are pleased to once again partner in BRAvado, an inspired art auction fundraiser dedicated to Breast Cancer Awareness.  Joining the event in support of the cause are 2008 Olympic All-Around Champion, Nastia Liukin, 2008 Olympic All-Around Silver medalist, Shawn Johnson, and the most decorated gymnast in US history, Shannon Miller.  These well-known gymnasts have shown their support for the cause by designing one-of-a-kind GK sports bras to offer at a silent auction to raise funds for Unite for HER breast cancer programs and initiatives.

Interested parties can view and bid on the uniquely decorated sports bras from these and other notable gymnasts at the Pink Invitational gymnastics meet on February 24-26, 2012 at the Philadelphia Convention Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Nastia Liukin’s “Give Hope Another Try” design is decorated with the message of “There is Hope,” set off by two large gems and hot pink feathers.  Two sparkly tulle bows accent the straps and two delicate pink ribbons and more gems line the bottom. 

This is the second year of GK's partnership with Unite for HER, which, in addition to the co-sponsorship of BRAvado, also includes support of the 2012 Pink Invitational, an outreach gymnastics meet presented by Unite for HER. 2012 also marks the 8th year that GK has taken a stand against breast cancer.  Kelly McKeown, Executive Vice President of Design and Corporate Relations for GK said, "With our large target audience of young, female athletes, GK realizes the unique opportunity and responsibility it has to help raise awareness about breast cancer.  It gives us great pride to partner once again with Unite for HER, and we eagerly look forward to another successful year at the Pink Invitational raising funds for the cause!"

Shawn Johnson’s “Be Free” sports bra is covered in hopeful messages of grace, strength, peace, and joy with bright and colorful abstract hearts and flowers with a bit of sparkle.  Shannon Miller’s “Bold & Brave” design is dyed black and covered with circle and square shaped mirrored pieces of varying sizes that provide a beautiful contrast to the iconic pink ribbon signifying breast cancer awareness.

“Words alone cannot express how grateful we are for the commitment GK has made over the years to women affected by breast cancer.  They continue to amaze and inspire us with their dedication and unwavering support.  Each year around this time, we create new ways to educate and empower our community of young women about breast cancer and our BRAVADO outreach is a symbol - "Pure LOVE and JOY.”  Our celebrity designers and artists are truly inspiring, whose creativity is embraced by our gymnastics community directly impacting the healing programs and initiatives of Unite for HER.  As you can see, we are not in this alone.  We are blessed beyond words for the continuous support of GK,” said Unite for HER founder, President, and breast cancer survivor, Sue Weldon.

GK is the world’s leading brand of gymnastics apparel and is recognized around the world for superior variety, quality, fit and service.  Elite Sportswear, L.P. is proud to have been chosen by adidas® to manufacture the US National Team Competitive apparel for USA Gymnastics since 2000 and is the sole producer of adidas® brand gymnastics apparel worldwide.  Based in Reading, Pennsylvania, Elite Sportswear, L.P., the company behind the GK brand, continues its commitment to American-made quality and continuous innovation in designs for Gymnastics, Cheerleading, Dance, and Drill Team apparel.  For more information about GK Elite, visit www.gkelite.com.

Unite for HER is dedicated to improving the lives of women and girls by supporting and providing breast cancer programs and initiatives that educate, empower, and restore.  Since 2009, Unite for HER has worked to bridge the gap between the medical and wellness communities by educating women diagnosed with breast cancer about complementary therapies, providing them with a compassionate resource for support, knowledge and healing. Visit www.uniteforher.org or call 610-322-9552.