Late into the night on Friday March 19, 30 volunteers from Hot Shots Gymnastics turned the Oyster Bay High School gymnasium into a state-of-the-art national women's gymnastic competition hall. Over the two-day event gymnastic teams across New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania competed for medals, trophies and the coveted "Mother of Pearl" loving cup.

East Norwich's own 10-year-old Maxine Jann received a bronze medal for her Level 6 floor exercise routine. Local support gave Jann that extra boost to turn in the best total score she has had all year, high enough to qualify her for the NY State competitions to be held Mother's Day weekend in Rochester.

Five Star Gymnastics from East Rockaway was awarded the prized Mother of Pearl Cup with a total score of 184.875. Mike Venezia of Hot Shots Gymnastics, the events host, said that he was glad to keep the cup on Long Island. Five Star has to defend possession of the cup at the planned 2005 event.

Paul Jann and Judy Marrazzo, East Norwich residents and event organizers, said that the real winner is the OBEN community. Marrazzo stated, "it is a wonderful opportunity to showcase our beautiful school and promote all of the area shops, restaurants and attractions. The historic Oyster Bay Chamber of Commerce helped orchestrate local vendors serving refreshments at the two-day event. Gymnasts and their families were seen around town eating in some of the areas popular restaurants.

Dale Hedderick traveled all the way from Phoenixville, PA to see his niece compete, and said "I am struck by the quaint New England feel of the town. I drove around and decided to return this summer to spend a little time here to visit Sagamore Hill and take advantage of the waterfront".

Befitting Oyster Bay's small town hospitality, each of the five competitive sessions began with the OBHS middle school students singing the national anthem.

A family from New Paltz couldn't get over the OBHS facilities and planned to come earlier next year and stay at the East Norwich Inn so they could better appreciate this "Norman Rockwellesque town".

Overall the event received rave reviews from participating coaches, judges, athletes and spectators. The events first year's success will generate a powerful word of mouth campaign throughout the gymnastic community. This "buzz" along with the Mother of Pearl's promoters outreach program is expected to draw 500 to 700 gymnasts for the 2005 competition.

For more information about Hot Shots Gymnastics in Hicksville or to learn about plans for the 2005 Mother of Pearl Women's Gymnastics National Invitational e-mail jmarrazzo@pjads.com.

Mother of Pearl Individual Awards will be posted on the event website at www.hotshotsgym.com/mop.html

Optional Levels 7-10 Teams achieving top five scores on all four events: 184.875, Five Star Gymnastics, Leon Williams Jr. - Coach, East Rockaway