VALDOSTA — It was standing room only at the Valdosta YMCA Saturday afternoon.

The Valdosta Y hosted the very first Titletown Classic meet in front of a crowd of about 800 parents, family members and friends.

The Titletown Classic was the first gymnastics meet hosted by the Y in 15 years.

“Our gymnasts have worked very hard and are very excited about the meet. Gymnastics is fun. It develops strength, flexibility, coordination, listening skills, self-esteem and confidence. It teaches them to set goals and work diligently to accomplish them,” said Tammy Parham, Gymnastics Director at the Valdosta YMCA.

Gyms competing in the meet were: Valdosta, Dream It, No Limitz, Moultrie Y, Thomasville Y, SE Elite and Fitzgerald.

Gymnasts ranging from ages 6 to 17 competed in a three-part competition where athletes performed in seven different skill levels. The higher the level, the higher the skill of competition.

Each part began with a 20-minute stretch exercise, followed by a 15-minute warm-up. And each competition followed with an awards ceremony.

Gymnastics is a sport that requires a year-round commitment, and Saturday was a chance for the girls to showcase their skills and be rewarded for their hard work and talent.

The group from the Valdosta Y competed at meets in Waycross and Tifton in the past few months leading up to the Titletown Classic.

“It has been a great morning for us,” Valdosta coach Danielle Roberts said during a break in the competition. “The girls have done a great job preparing and they feel really comfortable here at their home gym.”

Said Valdosta coach Amber Geisler: “I’ve competed, so I know what it’s like for these girls to be out here and a little nervous, but it has all been very well organized and everybody’s having fun.”

The Valdosta Y team’s next meet will be in January.

“I would also like to thank all of our sponsors who have donated to our meet and especially to the team parents, who, without their help, this meet would not be possible,” Parham added.

Kids can begin gymnastics at any age. Stop by the YMCA Gymnastics facility at 4472 Valnorth Drive for more information on how to get involved in their gymnastics program.