Lori Strong of Whitby, considered a medal contender in the upcoming Summer Olympics in Seoul, Korea, has become the latest recipient in the Tandem Computers Canada Ltd. sponsorship program.
“We’re very pleased to have the opportunity to sponsor athletes of Lori’s calibre,” says Tandem President Peter Richards.
Tandem’s sponsorship includes a contribution to her education trust fund, a Tandem bicycle and all her gym clothes, with the exception of outfits worn in official competitions.
Strong, 16, was scheduled to demonstrate her talents and receive her sponsorship Tuesday this week (July 5) at the Winstonette Gymnastic Association in Unionville.
“Lori is one of the best female gymnasts we’ve seen for a long time,” says Ted Connor, Tandem marketing representative in Toronto. “In fact, after her impressive showing at the 1987 world championships, Lori is considered to be the top female gymnast in the free world countries – including the U.S., England, France and Italy.”
Strong works out at the Winstonette five hours a day with her coaches Leonard Grakovsky and Debbie Vidmar, Grakovsky, a former world-class gymnast for his native U.S.S.R., has been coaching in Canada for 11 years.
Both coaches feel Strong is in the running for an Olympic medal in her speciality – the uneven bars. Her routine includes a unique sequence now dubbed “The Strong Move.”
“I think this sponsorship is terrific,” says Strong. “It helps our gymnastics team and offers me security for my education.”
