Supporters will stage a send-off rally for Olympian Melanie Roach in Sumner on Friday.

The rally at Roach Gymnastics, 1627 45th St. E.,

in Sumner, will run from

6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. and have various booths, children and family activities, clowns, a bake sale and gymnastics. Hot dogs and drinks will be provided.

Roach will speak and

be available to sign autographs.

A former Auburn High gymnast and current eight-time U.S. national champion, Roach earned a ticket to the Summer Games in Beijing, China with a resounding performance at the Olympic Trials at Atlanta in mid-May.

With a 5-foot 1-inch, 117-pound frame, Roach earned the No. 1 overall ranking at the trials, lifting 242 pounds. She leaves July 25 for China, and will anchor a four-woman team.

Opening ceremonies will be held Aug. 8, and Roach will compete Aug. 10 in the 53kg (117 pound) class.