GYMNASTICS: Gymnasts flock to fairgrounds for Glacier Challenge

Ten clubs from two states (Idaho and Montana) and Canada will be competing in the first Glacier Challenge gymnastics meet today and Sunday at the Flathead County Fairgrounds.

The action will take place in the South Expo Building.

Competition today runs from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday’s schedule is 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Admission is $4 for children 4-and-older, $7 for adults or $20 for a family pass. Children 3-and-under are admitted free.

The Flathead Gymnastics Academy is the event host.

“I’m excited to have all the teams here,” FGA owner/head coach Keeley Lowney said.

“It’s the first big meet of the season.”

Lowney expects more than 300 competitors.

FGA will have 55 members of its competitive team in action.

Gymnasts will be competing levels 2-10. FGA will have competitors in levels 2-8.

Two other parts of FGA will also be performing — aerial silks, under the direction of Mindy Closan; and Down to Earth (extreme gymnastics), under the guidance of Jelani Morgan and Tanner Byle.

Assisting Lowney with coaching FGA at this meet are: associate head coach Micaela LaChante and team coaches Jeanine Henneford, Morgan, Daniel Lowney, Bekah Hoback and Elia Castleman.

Following this event, FGA will compete the next three weekends at invitationals in Moscow and Boise, Idaho, Tacoma, Washington, and Helena.