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GREENSBORO — In its second year, the Greensboro Gymnastics Invitational has added athletes.

The growth means something to those who watch gymnastics in North Carolina.

The competition, which will begin today, also serves as a sort of gauge to show growing interest in the sport across the state. According to Derek Galvin, head coach for UNC's gymnastics team, the interest locally is expanding.

"The visibility has improved," Galvin said. He plans to come to the Greensboro Coliseum Special Events Center for one day of the event, which runs today through Sunday where the highest level of competition will include top high school students.

More than 1,500 gymnasts from 64 gyms in eight states are coming, according to Bob Young, who is coordinating coaches and gymnasts for the invitational. That's about 300 more gymnasts than a year ago.

"This meet is a regional invitational," Young said. "It's a good place for all the different kids at all the different levels to see how they compare."

Today's opening ceremony will begin at 7 p.m. and will feature an exhibition by Chris Young, a 1999 world championship U.S. team member and member on the 1999 Pan American Team.

Galvin plans to watch for other gymnasts on his visit Saturday.

"I'll be looking to see the ninth- and 10th-graders who are coming along," he said. "It's a good opportunity to see a lot of the North Carolina kids."

And the location is convenient for a scouting trip, he said.

"During our competitive season it's quite a challenge for me to get out," Galvin said. His women's team will host Penn State tonight.

In-state winners will receive bids to the state gymnastics meet March 25-27 in Greenville.

And as the Greensboro invitational grows, youth gymnastics interest here may as well.

"I think that the more events like this we have in this state, it raises the visibility of the sport," Galvin said. "It's going to draw more attention for the junior level."

Contact Gerald Witt at 373-7008 or gerald.witt@news-record.com