Wisconsin Center hosts Midwest Twisters gymnastics meet



MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- Nearly 2,000 young people spent Sunday, February 9th running and jumping around the Wisconsin Center in downtown Milwaukee -- as part of the 12th annual Midwest Twisters Gymnastics Invitational.

"I like it! Being with my team and doing all the good stuff. Everybody's watching you and they get to see how good you are and all that," seven-year-old Konner Rice said.

There was a lot to see on Saturday and Sunday, as some 1,800 gymnasts from seven states tried to twist and turn their way to a title.

Jack Nettesheim is one of the owners of Midwest Twisters Gymnastics -- which organizes a competition featuring gymnasts from six years old through the early teens.

"They all dream of being in the Olympics, you know? Every Olympic year, everything we do -- whether it's classes at the gym, birthday parties at the gym or a meet like this -- the energy level is bigger" Nettesheim said.

For years, event volunteer Michael Osborne says he's enjoyed watching the event and the gymnasts grow and develop.

"It teaches them discipline. It teaches them teamwork, and it really does put them in some of the best physical shape. I mean, just to see some of these kids that have bigger muscles — including, you know, my daughter -- than I do, you know, at six and seven years old," Osborne said.

Some of these children are not afraid to flex, both their muscles and their minds, as they hope to inspire those who may follow in their footsteps.

"I would tell them:  Be strong, and be powerful," Konner Rice said.

Prior to this weekend's event, the Midwest Twisters pledged to donate any money awarded to the team to Children's Hospital of Wisconsin.

CLICK HERE for additional information on the Midwest Twisters Invite.