For the eighth consecutive year the Gasparilla Classic is the largest gymnastic competition held in the world. In 2001, the meet attracted over 2,700 female gymnasts, 300 male gymnasts, plus 150 Trampoline and Tumbling competitors. In addition there was a Karate Tournament. The 2001 competition included over 3000 athletes from 150 teams representing 26 states, Canada, Trinidad, and the Cayman Islands.

This years event will include the Women's Tri-Fitness Challenge, Children's Fitness Challenge, Men's Obstacle Course Challenge and Sport Dance.

In 1987, the Gasparilla Invitational was created and was hosted by the Northwest YMCA of Tampa. There were approximately 160 gymnasts representing Florida with a team from Moultrie, Georgia. The meet grew in popularity and had to be moved to Hillsborough Community College. In 1992, the Gasparilla Invitational was moved to the Tampa Convention Center. In the past, many of the top gymnasts in the United States have attended this event. In past years, USA Olympians Brandy Johnson, Amy Chow, Shannon Miller, Amanda Borden, as well as, 1996 Olympic All-Around Gold Medalist Lillia Poodkopayeva have attended as special guests of honor.

Competition includes Girls Gymnastics Levels 2-Elite, Men's Gymnastic Class VII to Class I, Trampoline and Tumbling Level I - Elite.

Gasparilla is two months of festivities in Tampa similar to Mardi Gras in New Orleans but on a smaller scale. It includes parades, pirates invading Tampa Bay, festivals, arts and crafts show, parties and an international road race for runners. Gasparilla is named after Tampa's most well known pirate, Jose Gaspar. Oh, what a pirate Gaspar was! Along with him compatriot, Rodeigo "Bloody" Lopez, Gaspar and his Krewe looted and sank thiry-six ships during the late 1700's.

The Meet Director for the last 14 years has been Tim Keckler. Call (813) 558-0035 with any questions about "The World's Largest Gymnastic Meet."