AYOP twirlers kick off day at Joyce Center

NOTRE DAME, Ind. -- Hundreds of twirlers have descended upon the Joyce Center at Notre Dame.

This is the first day of the America's Youth on Parade National and World Open Championships.

Girls travel all over to take a spin at what they love.

"Going to Virginia to Ohio to Pennsylvania," Lexi Maust, a twirler, said.

Another twirler said it was all about the fun.

"It's about having fun with your friends. You need to be yourself and have fun," Laney Puhalla said. "It's not all about winning and losing."

The AYOP will be the Joyce Center all week. All events are open to the public.