Missoula To Host Major National Women’s Gymnastics Championships This Weekend
The largest gymnastics event ever held in the State of Montana is coming to Missoula this weekend.
Mismo Gymnastics is hosting the 2016 USA Gymnastics Women’s Junior Olympic Level 9 Western Championships at the Adams Center. Director Kelley Durbin-Williams said the finest young female gymnasts in the country will be competing, and they're coming from 23 western states.
"Anywhere from Texas to the Dakotas to California, to Alaska to Hawaii," Durbin-Williams said. "There will be 204 teams with 450 gymnasts, 441 coaches, over 500 parents and family members, all told, the championships are expected to bring in about 1,400 people. Five athletes are qualified from the state of Montana."
Destination Missoula estimates the economic impact of the event to be between $850,000 to over $1.2 million, including motels, restaurants, rental cars, shopping and other spending.
Durbin-Williams said the gymnasts especially need spectators in the stands at the Adams Center for their performances, so follow this link to get tickets for the event.
The gymnasts will all be performing in the all-around events, uneven parallel bars, vault, balance beam and floor exercise.
The event is being held at the University of Montana Adams Center and sponsored by Mismo Gymnastics of Missoula, in partnership with the University of Montana, the Missoula Tourism Business Improvement District and Destination Missoula.