The Atlantis Crown Invitational is expected to be taken to a "new level" this year, with the introduction of two new exciting competitions and a huge increase in the number of international competitors.

The annual gymnastics competition, set for December 16-18 at the Atlantis Resort on Paradise Island, could potentially bring in more than 3,000 athletes, coaches and supporters. Athletes from across the United States, Panama and Canada will take part in the three-day competition.

Additionally, about 100 gymnasts from The Bahamas will participate.

This year organizers will introduce the trampoline and tumbling competitions. As a result, club participation has increased by 26 percent.

"We are actually shipping down all the trampolines and everything else for the kids to compete so it's going to be very, very exciting to see. We have 68 clubs represented. Last year we have 54, so we have a definite jump in the attendees for this year's event," Invitational organizer Cindy Schrans said.

"The event is bigger than last year so we're pretty excited about that. The event keeps growing every year and that is a direct reflection on the hospitality in The Bahamas, the support we get from the Ministry of Tourism and the local organizations, and obviously the hospitality at Atlantis. We couldn't do this without the partnership."

The special guests this year are Svetlana Boginskaya, three-time Olympic Champion, and Sam Mikulak, 2012 Olympian for the United States.

Marketing Director of Sports Tourism in the Ministry of Tourism Virginia Kelly noted the increased in competitors.

"The Atlantis Crown has proven to be a great addition to our annual sports tourism calendar. Over the past five years we have seen the number of athletes almost tripled, and this year, with the addition of a men's trampoline and tumbling component, this takes the event to a new level, not to mention the growth impact on the number of room nights and the overall revenue boost. This year we could potentially see 3,000-plus athletes and visitors."

Explaining her estimate, Kelly said based on experience nearly all athletes will likely be accompanied by a parent or guardian and another supporter.

"It's like a vacation with a twist," she said.

Tickets for the event can be purchased at the Atlantis box office at the Atlantis Resort on Paradise Island. For more information, the public is asked to visit the website www.atlantiscrown.com. Adult tickets are $20 each, seniors (65 years-plus) can get tickets at $15, children (6-16) can get tickets at $10 and children under five years of age are admitted free.

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