USANA Congratulates U.S. Women Ski Jumpers on Receiving Wilma Rudolph Courage Award

SALT LAKE CITY, Oct. 20, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- USANA Health Sciences, Inc. (NYSE: USNA) congratulates the Visa Women's Ski Jumping Team on receiving the Wilma Rudolph Courage Award from the Women's Sports Foundation as part of its 32nd Annual Salute to Women in Sports Awards Gala, held on October 19 in New York City.  

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Ski jumpers Jessica Jerome, Lindsey Van, and Alissa Johnson were invited to accept the award on behalf of the team and its supporting foundation, Women's Ski Jumping USA (WSJ-USA). Team members were honored for their perseverance and courage in fighting to gain equality in, and acceptance into, the Olympic Games.

"This group of young women have worked hard to get to where they are today," said Dan Macuga, USANA vice president of marketing, public relations, and social media. "What these women have done for other athletes intent on pursing their dreams is nothing short of incredible, and I can't think of another team more deserving of this award than these women ski jumpers."

The Women's Sports Foundation was founded by tennis legend Billie Jean King in 1974 and is dedicated to advancing the lives of girls and women through sports and physical activity.  Team members Jessica Jerome, Lindsey Van, and Abby Hughes had the pleasure of meeting King at USANA's 2011 International Convention in August, where she spoke to a crowd of Associates about going after and living one's dreams.

"You're doing exactly what I did," said King to the women. She knew all about their battle for inclusion in the Olympics, and she admired their determination.

In April 2011, a women's ski jumping event was added to the Olympic Games program. At the 2014 Olympic Winter Games in Sochi, Russia, women will compete in ski jumping at the Olympic level for the first time in history.

WSJ-USA president Deedee Corradini attended the event and said, "Because of the generous support we receive from USANA, these young women can concentrate on being the best athletes they can be, while making Olympic history in 2014."

About Wilma Rudolph Courage Award: This award is given to a female athlete/team who exhibits extraordinary courage in her athletic performance, demonstrates the ability to overcome adversity, makes significant contributions to sports and serves as an inspiration and role model to those who face challenges, overcomes them and strives for success at all levels.

About USANA: USANA Health Sciences develops and manufactures high-quality nutritionals, personal care, energy and weight management products that are sold directly to Preferred Customers and Associates throughout the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Japan, Taiwan, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippines, Mexico, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. Additionally, USANA's wholly-owned subsidiary, BabyCare, Ltd., operates a direct selling business in China. Learn more at our website (www.USANA.com), read our blog (www.whatsupUSANA.com), like us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/USANAhealthsciences), or follow us on Twitter (@USANAinc).

About WSJ-USA: Women's Ski Jumping USA is a 501c3 nonprofit foundation that supports the Visa Women's Ski Jumping Team and promotes the sport for women internationally. It has advocated for years for women ski jumpers to be allowed to compete in the Olympic Winter Games. That goal was reached in April 2011 when the International Olympic Committee added a women's ski jumping event to the 2014 Sochi games. Learn more at www.wsjusa.com.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Ashley Collins,
Executive Director of Marketing, Public Relations & Social Media

(801) 954-7280 - Ashley.Collins (at) us.usana.com

SOURCE USANA Health Sciences, Inc.