Flip for the 15th Annual Stars and Stripes Gymnastics Invitational

The Erie Sports Commission is pleased to announce the 15^th Annual Stars and Stripes Gymnastics Invitational will be held once again at the Bayfront Convention Center. The event will begin on Friday, January 15 and run through Monday, January 18.

The event is hosted by Erie Gymnastics Center and Team Lightning.

The event is the second largest competition in Pennsylvania, and one of the largest in the Eastern United States. The 2015 event attracted more than 50 teams and 1500 athletes from Pennsylvania, West Virginia, New York, Ohio and Ontario. Gymnasts will compete in Men’s Levels 4 through 10 and Women’s Levels 2 through 10, and all levels in the Women’s Excel Program.

The Main Event, featuring the top male and female athletes, will begin on Saturday, January 16 at 6 p.m.

The event, which was founded in the wake of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, offers free admission to all members of the military, police, fire and rescue workers. Admission for all others is $12 for adults, and $6 for children over the age of 3.

Each year, a portion of the event’s proceeds are donated to a military, police or fire and rescue-based organization. In 2015, more than $7,000 was donated to The Pittsburgh Inn Care Packages for Soldiers Program, which helped send thousands of essential and comfort items to soldiers overseas. A benefitting charity for the 2016 event has not yet been named. 

“It’s hard to believe this is the 15^th time we’ve hosted the Stars and Stripes Invitational, but I couldn’t be more proud of the growth it has seen over the years, due in part to our partnership with the Erie Sports Commission,” said Doug Pershun, Meet Director. “As always, we anticipate that this will be an exciting competition for both the gymnasts and spectators.”

“This invitational continues to impress us every year,” said Ron Sertz, Executive Director of the Erie Sports Commission. “Doug and his crew at Erie Gymnastics put on a spectacular event each year that draws huge numbers of both participants and spectators, and this year will be no exception. Stars and Stripes has quickly become a highlight on Erie’s event calendar.”

For more information, visit www.eriegymnastics.com.

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.