The Savannah International Trade & Convention Center will be transformed into a top-of-the-line gymnastics venue this week as Savannah hosts the 2013 YMCA Gymnastics National Championship and Festival.
About 2,000 athletes, 300 coaches and 107 teams from 24 different states are expected in town for an event that runs from Wednesday through Saturday.
Carol Tanrath, the gymnastics director at the Islands YMCA and the technical gymnastics advisor for YMCA of the USA, has been busy planning for the event, while training her team for the competition.
“Last year in the nationals at Milwaukee we came home with over 50 medals,” Tanrath said. “And we’ve got a strong team again.”
Jill Conway of Effingham County High School is one of the team’s top gymnasts. Last year Conway reached the finals in Level 8 and finished third in the balance beam and 12th in the all-around competition. She is expected to do well again this week.
One of the best things about the YMCA event is that kids from a range of ages and skill levels are able to compete in an atmosphere that brings gymnastics’ grandest stage — the Olympics — to mind.
The event is being held in Savannah for the fourth time — previous YMCA championships were held in 1995, 1999 and 2003 — and this year’s competition will have an Olympic flavor, Tanrath said.
Courtney McCool, the former University of Georgia gymnast who helped lead the Bulldogs to three NCAA titles during her college career and was a member of the U.S. Olympic Artistic Gymnastics team that won a silver medal in the 2004 Olympics, is scheduled to be the keynote speaker at Wednesday night’s opening ceremonies in Forsyth Park.
“And to top it off, we’re being recognized by the United States Olympic Committee as an Olympic Day Event,” Tanrath. “It’s a big honor as there are only three events designated each year. The USOC is helping with little things like certificates that make the event special. It’s a way to show athletes that participating in sports is an important life experience.”
The week gets started with the opening ceremonies.. The evening includes a dinner, live music and festivities, a march in by the various teams, along with the keynote speakers. The event is not open to the public.
The competition gets started Thursday, with gymnastics action starting at 8 a.m. and continuing until 10 p.m. Friday’s competition is from 8 a.m.-8 p.m., with Saturday’s finals set to run from 8:45 a.m.-5 p.m.
“I’ve heard it’s going to be the largest sporting event in Savannah this year,” Tanrath said. “Because people are making a family vacation out of it and staying in town for five or six days. We’re nervous with the thought that it’s going to be that big, but we’re looking forward to hosting a great week.”
For more information, visit fountainofpossibilities.com.