2008-08-29 23:23:01 -
www.jqhhotels.com - 2008 Olympic All-around Champion Nastia Liukin arrived to her first official homecoming party on Friday, August 22, at the Embassy Suites - Dallas/Frisco Hotel, Convention Center & Spa in Texas to the cheers and applause of nearly 1,000 family, friends and dignitaries. Most in attendance were young gymnasts inspired by the 18-year-old Olympic athlete's
dedication to gymnastics and excellence. The invitation-only reception was hosted by Springfield, Mo.-based John Q. Hammons Hotels & Resorts, the nation's leading independent builder, developer, owner and manager of upscale, full-service hotels, resorts and suites (www.jqhhotels.com).
Nastia extended the celebration to sign hundreds of autographs and pose for pictures, many including Carly Patterson, 2004 Olympic All-around Champion and Nastia's close friend. Boasting intricate ice sculptures and Nastia's signature pink in the decor, the festive event included the city of Frisco naming August 22 Nastia Liukin Day.
During the party, Nastia expressed her heartfelt thanks for the support of up-and-coming athletes in the audience that train at WOGA Gymnastics (www.woga.net). Nastia said the children's frequent hugs and words of encouragement helped to make her dream come true. WOGA is comprised of three nationally recognized gymnastics training centers in Plano, Frisco and Dallas co-owned by Nastia's father, coach and 1988 Olympic Champion Valeri Liukin; her mother, Anna Liukin; and Yevgeny Marchenko, all in attendance at the event.
Event video and photos available include: -0- -- Video: -- Two minutes of event highlights, including Nastia's comments to nearly 1,000 party attendees (courtesy of Alford Media Services) -- Photos: -- Nastia's arrival at private reception at Embassy Suites Frisco (courtesy of Alford Media Services) -- Nastia giving remarks, with Valeri and Anna Liukin on stage (courtesy of Alford Media Services) -- A smiling Nastia walking with a parade of children at the homecoming event (courtesy of The Dallas Morning News: Courtney Perry/staff photographer) -- Nastia Liukin, Bill Bretches and Carly Patterson posing at medal photo shoot (courtesy of The Dallas Morning News: Courtney Perry/staff photographer)
Hotel General Manager Bill Bretches playfully welcomed the audience back in four years in anticipation of another gold performance. He extended John Q. Hammons' celebratory hospitality to the Liukins and attendees. Besides his passion for hotels, hotel legend Mr. Hammons is a sports enthusiast, having supported the field of sports through millions of dollars in sponsorships and donations spanning major golf tournaments and construction of significant arenas, country clubs and ball fields. In addition, the Embassy Suites brand is a part of Hilton Hotels Corporation, which is a U.S. Olympic Team sponsor through 2012.
More Opportunities to Celebrate with Nastia Liukin
On Saturday, August 30, the city of Parker will be hosting a Welcome Home Parade for Nastia, starting at Victory Church at 9:00 a.m. Following this parade there will be an autograph signing at JCPenney, Collin Creek Mall in Plano from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.
Embassy Suites - Dallas/Frisco Hotel, Convention Center & Spa
The AAA Four Diamond Embassy Suites - Dallas/Frisco Hotel, Convention Center & Spa offers more than 330 deluxe suites and more than 92,000 square feet of flexible meeting space. Beautifully decorated to make guests feel at home, each guest suite features a private bedroom and spacious living room and is equipped with two televisions, refrigerator, microwave oven, coffee maker, two telephones, high-speed Internet access, video game console, work desk, in-room safe boxes and private balconies for selected room types. Guests may enjoy the Embassy Lounge, located in a luxurious open atrium with cascading and meandering water trails, or dine in the Cyprus Grille featuring Southwestern cuisine. The hotel also offers a complimentary cooked-to-order breakfast, nightly Manager's Reception, a fitness center, indoor pool, sundeck and therapeutic spa treatments at the full-service Spa Botanica.
To Make a Reservation
To make a hotel reservation or book a group function, contact the sales and catering department at (972) 712-7200, call your travel agent, or visit the hotel's Web site at www.embassysuitesdallasfrisco.com. The Embassy Suites - Dallas/Frisco Hotel, Convention Center & Spa also can be booked under the following GDS codes: Amadeus DFW760, Sabre 54411, Apollo 71480, Uversa 34858 and Worldspan 5338.
About John Q. Hammons Hotels & Resorts
Springfield, Mo.-based John Q. Hammons Hotels & Resorts is the nation's leading independent builder, developer, owner and manager of upscale, full-service hotels, resorts and suites, including: Embassy Suites Hotels, Renaissance, Marriott, Radisson, Residence Inn, Homewood Suites by Hilton, Holiday Inn and Courtyard by Marriott brands. With 77 hotels strategically located near demand generators, such as state capitals, universities, airports, corporate headquarters or office parks in secondary and tertiary markets, John Q. Hammons Hotels & Resorts' properties are dominant in their markets. Over the course of his impressive career in the hotel business, Mr. Hammons has developed 203 hotels. For more information about John Q. Hammons Hotels & Resorts, please visit the company's Web site at www.jqhhotels.com.
About Alford Media Services
Alford Media Services (www.alfordmedia.com) is an award-winning, nationally recognized staging company providing video, audio, lighting and show coordination services for a wide range of clientele. For over two decades, working primarily through production companies, independent producers and technical directors, Alford Media Services has built lasting relationships based on integrity, trust and support.
John Q. Hammons Hotels & Resorts
Scott Tarwater, 417-873-3591
scott.tarwater@jqh.com
or
Publicis PR for JQH Hotels & Resorts
Sheri Smith, 972-628-7766
Mobile: 214-454-3969
sheri.smith@publicis-pr.com 
