LV Olympic gymnast’s family trying to make Sydney trip

Steve Addy

Thursday, Sept. 7, 2000 | 10:33 a.m.

The Sydney Olympics are halfway around the globe, but employers and communities throughout the U.S. are making sure Olympians' families get to see the Games in person.

Caesars Palace has gotten things rolling for the family of Tasha Schwikert, a 15-year-old Las Vegan and an alternate on the U.S. women's gymnastics team.

Tasha's parents, Shannon Warren and Joy Schwikert, both longtime craps dealers at Caesars, this week received a generous donation from the hotel-casino to help sponsor the family's trip.

Caesars Palace policy prohibits revealing the amount, vice president of public relations Debbie Munch said. But Joy Schwikert said it was $5,000 -- the approximate cost of airfare for two to Sydney.

"That was very nice of Caesars," she said. "We've worked there for a long time and we appreciate what they did."

Schwikert finished ninth in the all-around competition in the Olympic Trials last month in Boston. On Aug. 22, she was added as a second alternate to the six-woman team and has made the trip to Sydney, where she will stay in the Olympic Village and train with the team.

In case of injury, Schwikert (or first alternate Alyssa Beckerman) might be called upon to compete. However, that wouldn't be determined until Sept. 14, two days before women's qualifying begins.

"Tasha demonstrated a great deal of consistency this year in domestic and international competition," USA Gymnastics president Bob Colarossi said. "Her poise and performances are considered very reliable, and her desire to support this team is a valuable asset."

Aside from offering discounted travel packages, the U.S. Olympic Committee isn't footing the bill for athletes' families to go to Sydney. USA Gymnastics is sponsoring one family member for each of the six women on the team, but not the alternates. If Schwikert competes, USAG will reimburse the family for one member.

Though heartened by Caesars' donation, the Schwikerts and the Las Vegas Gymcats gymnastics club are seeking additional sponsorship for the family's trip, which could cost upwards of $15,000. Tasha's 14-year-old sister, Jordan, also a budding gymnast, hopes to go, too.

"This could be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Tasha," Joy Schwikert said. "We are hoping she will go to the Olympics again in 2004, but you never know. It would be great if the whole family could be in Sydney to support her and the team."

To donate to the Schwikerts' Olympic fund, contact the Gymcats at 566-1414.