Two hundred of the best young gymnasts in western Canada will be going for gold in Langley this May.
The Langley Events Centre was announced as the host site for the 2012 Western Canadian Gymnastics Championships, which will be staged May 3-6.
It is being hosted by Gymnastics BC and the Langley Gymnastics Foundation will manage the championships.
The meet features gymnasts from the western provinces and the territories.
The LEC has hosted the B.C. provincial championships the past three years.
“The Langley Events Centre is a great facility to host a national gymnastics event,” said Moira Gookstetter, the CEO of Gymnastics BC, at Tuesday morning’s press conference announcing the dates.
“The western Canadian (championships) have been a starting point for many athletes on their start of their international careers.
“This will be an event all the athletes will remember for a long time.”
Thirteen-year-old Alannah McPherson is aiming to compete at the Western Canadian championships for a second time.
The LGF athlete, who competes in the national women’s category, said she is excited for the event, especially since it is right at home for her.
“It is a great facility,” she said. “And it is really exciting to be able to try out for Team BC.”
For Tyler Welch, another LGF athlete, he hopes to qualify for the meet for the first time.
The 16-year-old competes in men’s level 6.
He said the fact it is at the LEC, is a huge advantage for local athletes.
“Having it at home, not having to travel, it is like home ice advantage,” he said.
“All your family and friends are here to support you.
“And it is such an amazing venue.”
“We are extremely excited to bring another major event to our facility,” said Jared Harman, the LEC’s director of business development.
“We look forward to hosting a first class event.”
“The caliber of athletes will be exceptional,” said Township Mayor Jack Froese.
“This is a great opportunity for Langley to show its hospitality,” said Shelly Welch, an LGF board member, who will serve as the event’s volunteer co-ordinator.
Approximately 200 volunteers will be needed for the event.