The Tribune

THE Atlantis Crown Invitational will be taken to a “new level” this year, with the introduction of two new exciting competitions and a huge increase in the number of international competitors.

The annual gymnastics competition, set for December 16-18 at the Atlantis resort, could potentially bring in more than 3,000 athletes, coaches and supporters.

Athletes from across the United States, Panama and Canada are all set to take part in the three-day competition. Additionally, about 100 gymnasts from The Bahamas are expected to participate.

This year, organisers will introduce the trampoline and tumbling competition.

As a result, club participation has increased by 26 per cent. “We are actually shipping down all the trampolines and everything else for the kids to compete so it’s going to be very, very exciting to see. We have 68 clubs represented. Last year we had 54, so we have a definite jump in the attendees for this year’s event,” said invitational organiser Cindy Schrans.

“The event is bigger than last year so we’re pretty excited about that. The event keeps growing every year and that is a direct reflection on the hospitality in The Bahamas, the support we get from the Ministry of Tourism and the local organisations and obviously the hospitality at Atlantis. We couldn’t do this without the partnership.”

The special guests this year are Svetlana Boginskay, three-time Olympic champion and Sam Mikulak, 2012 US Olympian.

Virginia Kelly, marketing director of sports tourism, noted the increase in competitors.

“The Atlantis Crown has proven to be a great addition to our annual sports tourism calendar. Over the past five years we have seen the number of athletes almost tripled and this year, with the addition of a men’s trampoline and tumbling component, this takes the event to a new level, not to mention the growth impact on the number of room nights and the overall revenue boost. This year we could potentially see 3,000 plus athletes and visitors.”

Explaining her estimate, Kelly said based on experience, nearly all athletes will likely be accompanied by a parent or guardian and another supporter. “It’s like a vacation with a twist,” she said.

Tickets can be purchased at the Atlantis box office. For more information, visit www.atlantiscrown.com