GAP giving young gymnasts royal welcome

The stage is set as the country hosts the prestigious 3rd FIG Junior World Artistic Gymnastics Championships at the Marriott Grand Ballroom from 20 to 24 November.

Gymnastics Association of the Philippines (GAP) president Cynthia Carrion said officials from the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) have already inspected the venues and facilities and everybody was impressed with their preparations.

Carrion, however, admitted that they have yet to go full blast with their preparations as the budget from their private sponsors has yet to come in.

“We’re almost done. The only thing we’re waiting for is money (from sponsors),” Carrion said in a press conference at the Newport World Resorts in Pasay City yesterday.

“When they saw the facilities here, they were happy that we would be able to handle the hosting of the competition.”

“It’s going very well. I am happy that they are here because I feel assured that it will go well.”

Aside from Carrion, also in attendance were Philippine Sports Commission chairman Patrick “Pato” Gregorio, PSC commissioner Edward Hayco, Newport Resorts Worlds chief hospitality officer John Lucas and Pasay Public Employment Service Office head Atty. Maria Bello Alom.

FIG officials such as men’s artistic gymnastics technical director John Tombs, women’s artistic gymnastics technical committee chair Donatella Sachi and senior events managers Stephanie Detraz and Celine Patria Cachemaille also graced the event.

With the event venue connected to the hotels and even to the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3, Carrion said it’s going to be easy for them to showcase the warmth of the Filipino hospitality.

“Our facilities are the best. Now they are very impressed and that’s what I want to show: The Philippines is good in everything,” said Carrion, a former Department of Tourism undersecretary.

Tombs expressed his gratitude to Carrion for taking on the challenge of hosting the Junior World Championships.

“The FIG will remain grateful to GAP for taking on this event through the exceptional leadership of Cynthia. You should be proud to have her lead gymnastics in the Philippines,” Tombs said.

“The Junior Worlds is the launchpad of future Olympic stars. This is a major event for our stars of the future.”

Eldrew Yulo, the younger brother of double Olympic gold medalist Carlos Yulo, and Elisabeth Antone will banner the Philippines in the prestigious event, where gymnasts from 80 countries will vie for gold medals.