STARS AND STRIPES GYMNASTICS INVITATIONAL
Bayfront Convention Center hosts major competition

Erie, PA: The Erie Sports Commission (ESC) is pleased to announce that the Stars and Stripes Gymnastics Invitational will take place on Friday, January 6th through Saturday, January 8th, 2012, at the Erie Bayfront Convention Center. This year marks the 11th edition of the event which will draw approximately 850 gymnasts to the competition, one of the largest in the USA. In addition to the number of actual competitors, the event is expected to draw more than 2,500 spectators.  It is expected to generate more than $500,000 in economic impact for the Erie area.

Thirty gymnastics teams will bring their best to the Bayfront for this USA Gymnastics-sanctioned qualifying competition.  Over sixty national level gymnasts will compete in the "Main Event", hosted Saturday (Jan. 8th) at 7:00pm.  This session will feature Level 9 & 10 gymnastics which are the highest levels of competition recognized by USA Gymnastics.  Of these athletes, some will most likely advance to the National Championships, and possibly move on to Team USA International Teams.

Team Lightning, the local representative from the Erie Gymnastics Center will feature six athletes for the main event, as well as fifty-five additional competitors participating in the other Flights throughout the weekend. Gymnasts will range in age from 5 to 18 years of age, and will compete for qualification to upcoming Sectional Championships, as well as Individual and Stars & Stripes Team Titles.

This event was founded in the aftermath of the 9-11 Twin Towers tragedy, and honors the brave men & women serving in the military, fire, and police & rescue work.  The Invitational also features one of the largest U.S. flags in the country as its backdrop.  All military, fire, rescue and police are admitted to the event free of charge.  The event is hosted by Erie Gymnastics Center & the Team Lightning Boosters.  Admission is $10 for Adults and $5 for Children. Partial proceeds from the event will benefit the Erie VA Hospital.

Doug Pershun, the Meet Director, stated that “We are very excited to host this prestigious event in Erie at the Bayfront Convention Center and happy to be working with the Sports Commission to help raise awareness of the event.”  Ron Sertz, Executive Director of the ESC noted: “The Bayfront Convention Center is a great site for this competition and we are happy to play a part in making this event successful with the hope of attracting more high-level gymnastics events to our community.”

For more information on participation and sponsorship opportunities, interested parties may contact Douglas Pershun, Meet Director, at 814-898-2936 or 814-504-1102.

The Erie Sports Commission is committed to promoting the Erie region as a prime destination for sports and recreation.  The major goals of the ESC are to attract, create, support, and host sporting and recreational events that have a positive economic impact on the region, and assist in maximizing the potential of all regional sports facilities and venues.  The ESC strives to enhance the image of Erie by showcasing the community, promote wellness through healthy lifestyles, and improve the quality of life for community members of all ages.