The United States Yoga Federation

Transcription

1 The United States Yoga Federation usayoga.org

2 ORGANIZATION PROFILE Yoga Asana competitions originated in India hundreds of years ago and are still being conducted there today. USA Yoga brings the spirit of healthy competition to the United States, where, according to the most recent study by Yoga Journal and Yoga Alliance, more than 36 million people practice yoga in the US today. USA Yoga believes that the sport of Yoga Asana will inspire current practitioners to improve their practices, and encourage newcomers to take up the practice of yoga and the sport of Yoga Asana. USA Yoga is developing educational programs, rules, and regulations so that the necessary competitive skills can be understood and mastered by athletes, coaches, and judges. Successful athletes train to achieve mastery of balance, strength, flexibility, and concentration. USA Yoga organizes a three level competition process each year beginning with a qualifier round via video submission, followed by four invitational Regionals held across the United States, and culminating in an annual National Championship. These competitions are open to competitors of any yoga school or style, and all are encouraged to participate. To borrow an ancient phrase, the paths are many, the sport is one. A BRIEF HISTORY The Beginning 2003: The 1st Regional and International Yoga Asana Championships take place in LA. Men and Women compete together. Lesli Lounsbury (formerly Christiansen) is named first female US Yoga Asana Champion. 2004: Male and Female Divisions introduced. Esak Garcia is named International Champion representing the United States. 2007: Cynthia Wehr and Ky Ha are the first US Yoga Asana champions to tour the world together demonstrating and inspiring others. 2008: Introduction of Youth Division in Yoga Asana Competition.

3 OUR VISION & OBJECTIVE The United States Yoga Federation aspires to be the governing body for the sport of Yoga Asana in the United States. USA Yoga s goal is to develop Yoga Asana as a sport, whereby all athletes perform under a uniform set of rules on a fair playing field. Further, it aims is to provide athletes, coaches, and judges with the tools and resources necessary to unify the sport, while at the same time, promoting the sport of Yoga Asana for the betterment of people s health. USA Yoga is a member of the International Yoga Sports Federation (IYSF). See iysf.org for more information. Yoga is so beneficial, especially in today s world. We need to make the change. The change can only come with you within your Spirit, within your beliefs. Growth & Expansion 2008: The United States Yoga Federation is formed by visionary and five-time winner of the All-India Yoga Championship, Rajashree Choudhury. 2012: National Championship relocates from LA to NYC, and draws a record crowd of approx. 1,000 people, with a total audience of approx. 30,000 watching via live streaming. 2013: Once again Nationals are held at the historic Hudson Theatre in New York, and the Champion of Champions demonstration is added. 2014: Added the Senior Division. 2017: Held the National Championship in conjunction with the State Games of America, an Olympic-style, multi-sport event. A Positive Future 2018: Added a second Youth Division, 7 11, and renamed the Senior Division to Adult 50+.

4 YOGA ASANA CHAMPIONSHIPS USA Yoga believes that the practice of yoga and Yoga Asana is beneficial for the physical and mental health of all practitioners children, teens, adults, and seniors. Increased awareness of the sport of Yoga Asana will encourage existing practitioners to sharpen their skills through training, dedication, and devotion to the sport, and will inspire new practitioners to begin a practice, which leads to a healthier and happier life. OUR EVENTS NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP The top two winners from each division advance to the IYSF International Yoga Championship, which is held bi-annually. Years in Operation Venues Los Angeles, New York, Jackson Hole, Grand Rapids 2017 Attendance Approx. 500 Spectators Number of Sponsors 10 Live Internet Stream viewers Major National Press Pickups MSNBC, BBC, AP, Reuters, Fox, ABC, CNN REGIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS We have four Regional Championships that include over 40 States. The first place winners from each state and each division advance to Nationals, in addition, the highest scorers from all states are also invited to Nationals. Average Total Participants, Annually 500+ Average Sponsors Per Region Up to 10; depending on size of regional Timespan 6 Months from first regional to last Finalists Over 130 athletes compete at Nationals

5 OUR ATHLETES The United States Yoga Federation welcomes practitioners from all yoga lineages and disciplines. Our athletes span a vast number of backgrounds, ages, ethnicities, and yoga disciplines. They represent almost every single state in the country and all hold a shared goal of striving towards excellence and precision in the performance of Yoga Asana. Our athletes range from the naturally sport inclined, to those who have overcome medical issues and risen beyond expectations to be awarded the title of Yoga Asana Champion. DEMOGRAPHICS ADULT DIVISIONS The Adult Division performs 4 compulsory with a choice of three difficulty levels for each one, and 2 optional postures. Age Range 18+ Gender Breakdown 65% Female /35% Male Average Years Practicing 4.3 Years Instructors vs. Students 75% vs. 25% YOUTH DIVISIONS Youth Division perform 4 compulsory and 2 optional postures. Age Range 7 17 Gender Breakdown 85% Female, 15% Male Average Years Practicing 1.3 Years

6 YEARLONG SPONSORSHIP PACKAGES Involving your brand with the United States Yoga Federation s vision and events is a valuable resource for reaching new health and wellness oriented customers. USA Yoga does not subscribe to one type of yoga philosophy, opening its doors to millions of practitioners nationwide, across all forms and disciplines. According to the Yoga Journal and Yoga Alliance study the demographics of the 36 million + are 72% women, and 28% men. They spend over 16 million on classes and yoga related products. Booth Sponsorship $1000 Name on digital assets Hyperlinked logo on website Name in all event communications Social media tag on event posts Logo in event slideshow Branding on printed collateral Sponsor table space Business Sponsorship $200 Name on digital assets Hyperlinked logo on website Name in all event communications Social media tag on event posts Logo in event slideshow Tax deductible receipt Vip seating at the event Individual Sponsorship $100 Name on digital assets Name on website Name in all event communications Tax deductible receipt Vip seating at the event

7 INDUSTRY TRENDS & RESEARCH USA Yoga competitions generate an audience of yoga practitioners, as well as those with an aspiration to try yoga. The 2016 Yoga in America Study conducted by Yoga Journal and Yoga Alliance predicts that over 80 million Americans plan to try yoga. The same study shows that practitioners spend over 16 million on classes and yoga related products, including equipment, clothing, vacations, and media. Partnering with USA Yoga events is an optimal way for brands to reach a new group with disposable income and strong ethical views. Our sponsors are representative of the yoga, health, and wellness universe. They represent diverse brands that supply vital products and services to the yoga community from local studio and business sponsorships, to apparel, beauty, food & beverage product promotion.

8 Rajashree Choudhury USA Yoga was founded by one of the leading lights of competitive yoga in the US and worldwide, Rajashree Choudhury, who remains an honorary board member. Rajashree Choudhury started her yoga training at the urging of her parents at age four. She was a five-time winner of the All-India Yoga Championship from 1979 to Rajashree founded the USA Yoga Federation in She also presides over the International Yoga Sports Federation, formed in She credits yoga competition to her current yoga path. Rajashree has accumulated over 15 years experience in the East, and 25 years in the West, and holds a Certification in Hatha Yoga Therapy for chronic diseases and disorders. She helped devise a successful Yoga Teacher Training program in the United States, is involved with a number of charities, regularly conducts worldwide seminars on yoga and personal development, and teaches her highly acclaimed Pregnancy Yoga Classes. The United States Yoga Federation is led by a Board of Directors and by Executive Director, Ainslie Faust, who supports the organization and runs the day to day operations. usayoga.org UNITED STATES YOGA FEDERATION 5405 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 245 Los Angeles, CA PHONE FAX RESOURCES WEBSITE RULES FACEBOOK TWITTER INSTAGRAM usayoga.org info@usayoga.org usayoga.org/rules facebook.com/usayoga twitter.com/usayoga instagram.com/usayoga