Free Event, Big Talent: The Harlem Gymnastics Invitational Returns!
The 10th Annual Harlem Gymnastics Invitational takes place in Harlem this week, bringing together over 800 young athletes for a weekend filled with competitive gymnastics. Organized by the Wendy Hilliard Gymnastics Foundation, the event showcases the hard work and talent of gymnasts from all over the country.
The invitational will feature several gymnastics disciplines including Rhythmic Gymnastics, Trampoline & Tumbling, and Girls’ Artistic Gymnastics, with athletes ranging from 7 to 18 years old.
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Each year, the Harlem Gymnastics Invitational showcases a diverse and impressive group of talented young athletes from across the United States. This year, gymnasts will be traveling to Harlem from various states, including New York, California, Florida, and Maryland. Among the athletes, 50 students from the Women’s Harlem Gymnastics Foundation will take part, including 7 from the Foundation’s Detroit branch.
The diversity of athletes at the Invitational, from all over the country and with different backgrounds, shows how this event is making gymnastics more accessible to kids from all walks of life. Besides being a fun way to spend your weekend, it’s also a great chance to show your kids the value of dedication and hard work, and how it can pay off.
As the event grows, the Harlem Gymnastics Invitational is becoming an important milestone for young gymnasts and a chance for the gymnastics community to recognize the achievements of its up-and-coming athletes.
Wendy Hilliard’s Mission to Inspire Young People
Wendy Hilliard, the founder of the Wendy Hilliard Gymnastics Foundation, has dedicated her life to creating a space where all kids can have a chance to succeed, no matter their background. Hilliard is a former gymnast who faced obstacles in her own career, so knows firsthand how important it is for young athletes to feel supported and encouraged. She created this event to give gymnasts a platform to showcase their dedication, regardless of where they come from.
Hilliard explained, “I wanted to create a safe space where, regardless of what you look like or your family’s economic background, you had a chance to showcase and celebrate the hard work and dedication that gets put into the gym.”
Over the past decade, that’s exactly what the Harlem Gymnastics Invitational has done, and has helped gymnasts develop not only their skills but also their confidence and sense of community. “We could not be more excited to host our 10th annual Harlem Gymnastics Invitational, giving athletes an opportunity to show off their skills in a sanctioned USA Gymnastics competition,” said Hilliard.
Families Can Enjoy a Special Saturday Performance
Besides the competition, the Harlem Gymnastics Invitational weekend will also feature “Showtime in Harlem,” a special performance by Wendy Hilliard Gymnastics Foundation students on Saturday, February 22 at 4 pm. This crowd favorite is a great way to see up close and personal how gymnastics can empower young people. Afterward, families can stick around for a VIP reception.
In addition, the Harlem Gymnastics Invitational is part of The Mayor’s Cup, which celebrates sports excellence and community spirit in the city. Local gymnasts will have the chance to compete for the title of New York City Mayor’s Cup Gymnastics Champion, an honor that highlights some of the best talent from across the five boroughs.
The money raised at the event helps the Wendy Hilliard Gymnastics Foundation keep doing its amazing work of making gymnastics accessible and affordable for kids in underserved communities. Since it started in 1996, the foundation has impacted over 25,000 young people, giving them not only the skills to succeed in gymnastics but also in life.
The Invitational will take place from Friday, February 21 to Sunday, February 23, 2025, at the iconic Historic Harlem Armory, and it’s free to the public. Make sure to register in advance to get your spot.
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