TACOMA, Wash. — Tacoma is hosting its first major event since moving into Phase 2 of reopening.
A four-day gymnastics competition is taking place at the Greater Tacoma Convention Center through Feb. 15.
The Charity Choice Invitational gymnastics competition is expected to bring about 830 athletes, spectators and coaches from 10 states to the Tacoma area each day of the event. More than half will come from outside Pierce County, according to Travel Tacoma, the marketing organization for Tacoma and Pierce County.
The public cannot attend the event.
In Phase 2, indoor recreation is limited to 25% capacity, so the event is within the rules.
"I was really sad when we first went into closure and I had to miss a couple meets, but I’m happy to be back out," said Hailey Colleran, a gymnast from Renton.
"I think it’s the right time with all the protocols and everything that they have set in place," said her mom, Crystal Colleran.
There are four gymnastics events daily, allowing convention center staff to maintain capacity limits, monitor physical distancing and implement sanitation protocols, according to Travel Tacoma.
In a statement, the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department said they “support facilities following state guidance… and encourage them to follow practices that reduce the spread of disease."
Pierce County moved to the second phase of Gov. Jay Inslee's "Healthy Washington" plan in January, which allows small indoor gatherings and indoor dining and fitness centers at 25% capacity.