It was the first major gymnastics competition of the new season.
Young gymnasts from around B.C., some aiming for a berth in B.C. Winter Games, competed at the 91原创 Invitational, hosted over the Dec. 7th weekend by 91原创 Gymnastics Foundation (LGF) at the 91原创 Events Centre (LEC) fieldhouse.
Held every second year, in conjunction with the BC Winter Games year, the event drew about 300 competitors, with ages ranging from five to 17.
For many of those 10 or older, a good showing in the trials for men鈥檚 artistic gymnastics (MAG) and women鈥檚 artistic gymnastics (WAG) in three Lower Mainland zones could mean a trip to the games, 91原创 Gymnastics Foundation coach Nikki Jarvis explained.
鈥淚t鈥檚 a tough competition,鈥� Jarvis, a Games veteran, commented.
It will be probably another week before the top finishers will know if they have qualified for the games, because the scores have to be submitted to Gymnastics B.C. before an invitation to the eligible athletes is issued.
Not all gymnasts who are invited attend, Jarvis noted.
When her athletes ask her what it was like to compete in the B.C.,. games, Jarvis tells them it is a different experience from gymnastics-only events, with multiple sports represented.
It鈥檚 just really fun,鈥� she said. 鈥淵ou get to sleep on the floor of the school.
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B.C. Games will see up to 1,200 athletes, 300 coaches, and 200 officials compete in Fort St. John from February 20th 鈥� 23rd.
LGF is a non-profit organization that has been teaching gymnastics programs to all ages, from tot to adult, since 1993.
From February 14-16, (Friday to Saturday) LGF will host the annual Christy Fraser Memorial Invitational (CFMI) at the LEC.
Over 700 athletes from across the province are expected to attend.
READ MORE: 鈥�She would have gone to the gym every day if she could have鈥�
Named after Fraser, who passed away in August of 1992, at just 12 years of age, after contracting E. Coli, the event started in 1993 at the prompting of one of Christy鈥檚 coaches with the LGF.
Every year, Christy鈥檚 mom, Lory Fraser gives awards to the competitors who embody the same mannerisms and attitude of Christy 鈥� most supportive, determined and displaying a positive attitude 鈥� which will be engraved on the base of the trophies.
dan.ferguson@langleyadvancetimes.com
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