Sports
Atlantis Crown off to an exciting start
By Bahamas Ministry of Tourism
Dec 16, 2016 - 4:00:10 PM

Photo: Kemuel Stubbs

Over 2,600 people in town for tournament

Paradise Island, The Bahamas - The Atlantis Crown tournament got off to an exciting start yesterday as hundreds of gymnasts packed the Imperial Ballroom, hoping to jump, soar and tumble their way into the finals.

The Atlantis Crown -- the biggest gymnastics competition in the Caribbean -- is in its sixth year.

Over 2,600 people, including over 800 athletes from the United States, Canada, Panama and Suriname came to The Bahamas for the three-day tournament at the Atlantis Resort, Paradise Island. Additionally, just under 100 Bahamian gymnasts are participating, according to tournament organizer Cindy Scharns.

Commenting on the first day of competition, Scharns said, “Everything is going really well. The kids are having fun. The parents seem to be doing well with everything. I’m really excited about the energy and the atmosphere that’s out there today. People are having a good time. Atlantis is estimating that there are well over 2,600 people here…and I know there are several people staying off site. That’s a pretty nice number. We’re happy with the turn-out.”

Fans packed the ballroom, which has been transformed to accommodate the tournament.

Jason Boyle said he was excited trade in the freezing temperatures in Maryland, US, for the warm temperatures in The Bahamas. He said he plans on going to the beach a couple times before he leaves on Monday.

Deirdre Bradley, of Boston, also jumped on the chance to escape bitter temperatures at home.

“It’s below freezing in Boston right now,” Bradley said who is accompanying her nine-year-old daughter Hanna. “We’re having a great time. It’s a wonderful experience. Everyone has been so warm and friendly. It’s amazing.”

Bahamian Deidre Penn was at the Atlantis Crown yesterday supporting her daughter Telia, who will compete in her first ever gymnastics competition.

Photo: Kemuel Stubbs

“I’m excited. I’m happy to be here. I want to see her perform,” Penn said.

The Bahamas is represented by three clubs, Bahamas Star Gymnastics, Nassau Nastics and Grand Bahama Gymnastics.

This year organizers are introducing the trampoline and tumbling competition to the competition line-up which also includes the balance beam, vault, uneven bars and the floor routine.

Scharns said fans and participants are excited about the additions.

“That’s really exciting and up and coming because you can compete in trampoline and tumbling when you’re a little bit older.”

Also competing this weekend are the Region 5 Elite Ambassador Team, made of the United States’ two top senior elite and two top junior elite gymnasts from the World Championships.

Competition ends on Sunday. Tickets are $10 for children and $20 for adults.

© Copyright 2016 by thebahamasweekly.com -