Maricopa to host mini-olympics

Can’t afford the cost off airfare and tickets to the Olympics in Beijing, China?

Then attend the mini-Olympics Saturday in Maricopa.

The mini-Olympics, actually called the Maui May Days meet, is believed to be the first-ever gymnastics meet to be held in the city.

The meet will feature 40 junior competitors facing off in the classic gymnastic events of rings, bars, beams, vault and floor.

These 40 competitors will be from the Desert Star Gymnastics program, the city of Maricopa’s program and other gymnasts from the city.

“The great thing about gymnastics is that you are constantly competing against yourself to get better so you don’t need to belong to a group,” said Amy Bratlie, owner and instructor at Desert Star.

The competition will be a replica of the real deal, featuring a mini-beginning ceremony and posing on the podium.

However, unlike the real Olympics, everyone in this competition will go home a winner.

“We have purchased trophies for all the competitors and every one will get a chance to pose on the podium,” Bratlie said.

The meet is open to all who wish to attend, but registration for new participants is closed.

For those who wish to attend the cost is $5 per person, or $4 and a can of food.

There will be refreshments and baked goods available on site and there will also be a childcare service for children under three, which cost $3.

This is the first meet of what Desert Star Gymnastics hopes to turn into a bi-annual contest.

“It is a great chance for the kids to come out and boost their confidence and educate adults about gymnastics,” Bratlie said.

If you go:
What: Gymnastic Meet
Where: 19750 N. John Wayne Parkway #108
When: 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Saturday
Cost: $5 admission or $4 with a can of food