The annual Martin Luther King Jr. week of revelry took place between January 10 and 15. However, the atmosphere at the festival in Nashville underwent a sudden reversal on Monday. The auspicious occasion was marred by an out-of-the-blue thunderstorm that swept through the state. Unfortunately, the unpleasant weather spoiled the mood of a Tennessee gymnastics team that was looking forward to a historic moment.

Fisk University and Vanderbilt Athletics had agreed to co-host the inaugural Martin Luther King Gymnastics Invitational. Welcoming athletes from Fisk, Brown, Iowa State, Rutgers, Talladega, and William & Mary for the epochal event. However, the adverse weather threw a wrench in all their laborious preparations.

Unpleasant weather disrupts inaugural Martin Luther King Gymnastics Invitational

The Memorial Gymnasium on the Vanderbilt campus was decked for the prestigious event, and the Tennessee gymnastics team was ready for dominance. The unprecedented nature of the event aimed to feature the only African American women head coaches in gymnastics. Agenia Clark, President of Fisk University, invited the participants and the spectators to enter the University premises on Monday at 2 p.m. The event was scheduled to break ground at 3 p.m. However, in a cruel twist, a severe thunderstorm wreaked havoc upon Nashville the night before. In the aftermath of this, the organizers had to cancel the event via an announcement on the Vucommodores website.

Clark publicly stated, “I share the deep disappointment of the gymnasts who trained so diligently, the organizers who poured their hearts into planning, and the spectators who eagerly awaited this event. But as much as we cherish the vision of this meet, as much as we yearn to see their hard work come to fruition, the safety and well-being of everyone involved must always be our unwavering priority”. She also assured the gymnastics fans of her proactive steps to mend the situation.

Agenia Clark’s assurance of resolution

Agenia Clark announced earlier that gymnastics fans would get a chance to meet their heroes in an autograph session. After the meet, the fans would line up to shake hands with the student-athletes. The fans were excited by the opportunity to meet the upcoming gymnastics legends in the country. They paid and reserved tickets on the Vanderbilt athletics online site.

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The reserved tickets sold for $10-$20, while the general admission tickets went for $7-$15. Agenia Clark had planned for everything, starting with free admission for students and free parking in 25th Avenue Garage. Notwithstanding all her preparations, now she has to refund the ticket prices. Clark has assured resolutions within the next ten business days.

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