USA vs. Canada to the region for the first time Oct. 13-14 as
part of its Battle Circuit. Complete details on the adult regional
tournament will be released at a later date.
For more information on the event, visit ffwct.com/event-
calendar/battle-erie/.
“To have two first-time events hosted at
ErieBank Sports Park in 2018 only further
illustrates the importance of the facility to our
region and to the sports tourism industry as a
whole,” said Ron Sertz, Executive Director of
the Erie Sports Commission. “We will continue
to work with our national event contacts to fill
the space with new and exciting events. As the renovations
proceed, the types of events we can attract to the complex will
only broaden in scope and sport type. It’s a very exciting time
for the sports tourism industry in Erie, Pa.”
CROWDS FLIP FOR THE 17TH
ANNUAL STARS AND STRIPES
GYMNASTICS INVITATIONAL
Erie Gymnastics Center and Team Lightning hosted the
17th Annual Stars and Stripes Gymnastics Invitational at the
Bayfront Convention Center in January.
The Stars and Stripes Invitational is recognized as the largest
coed gymnastics invitational in Pennsylvania, and one of the
largest in the eastern United States.
The event attracted more than 50 teams and nearly 1,700
athletes from Pennsylvania, West Virginia, New York, Ohio and
Ontario.
The Stars and
Stripes Invitational was
founded in the wake
of the September 11,
2001, terrorist attacks,
and each year honors a
local military, police or
fire and rescue-related
organization as a charity partner. Since the event’s inception,
Erie Gymnastics has raised more than $75,000 for related
charities.
The benefiting charity for this year’s event was the Fallen
Soldiers Picnic Fund. Based in Erie, the organization hosts
a Memorial Day picnic each year in honor of several local
servicemembers who lost their lives in combat or to PTSD
since 2003. The organization donates funds raised to assist local
military families and causes.
“It’s hard to believe this is the 17th time we’ve hosted the
Stars and Stripes Invitational, but I couldn’t be more proud
of the growth it has seen over the years, due in part to our
partnership with the Erie Sports Commission,” said Doug
Pershun, Meet Director. “As always, it’s an exciting competition
for both the gymnasts and spectators, especially at our Main
Event, which is annually an incredible show to watch.”
“This invitational continues to impress us every year,” said
Ron Sertz, Executive Director of the Erie Sports Commission.
“Stars and Stripes has quickly become a highlight on Erie’s
event calendar.” For more information, visit
eriegymnastics.com. n
MILLCREEK
❘
SUMMER 2018
35