GAP unveils pearl-inspired logo for World Junior Gymfest

DRAWN from the country’s rich cultural and historical heritage, the logo of the 3rd FIG Artistic Gymnastics Junior World Championships graphically captures the vibrant and dynamic spirit of the global sport and the Filipino passion behind the staging of the prestigious international meet, according to gymnastics chief Cynthia Carrion.

“Gymnastics is an energetic and spirited discipline and we Filipinos are warm and passionate in anything we set our minds to so it can shine with excellence. These facets went into conceptualizing our official logo for the Junior World Championships,” Carrion explained in unveiling the logo.

With global reputation of the Philippines as the “Pearl of the Orient Seas,” the logo is a stylized oyster shell in a bright blend of purple, white and golden hues in a translucent background with the official Federation International de Gymnastique design - the FIG acronym - as the “pearl” at its center.

The shell “is a direct tribute to the Philippines and our role as proud host of this global event,” representing “a welcoming nation offering a safe and supportive space where future champions are discovered, celebrated, and inspired,” according to Carrion of the logo of the meet backed by the Office of the President, the Philippine Sports Commission, Department of Tourism and Milo.

“We chose this as our logo because it symbolizes that we are a lush, lustrous and hospitable nation of over 100 million people,” she emphasized. “This is what we Filipinos are proudly known for.”

“The prominent FIG logo within the oyster shell also symbolizes the universality of our sport that is a top perennial attraction in the Olympic Games,” the Gymnastics Association of the Philippines president noted, adding that the FIG now has 161 member countries worldwide.

The lively athletics chief proudly disclosed that the 77 countries and 846 entries have so far registered for the blue-ribbon competition set from Nov. 20 to 24 at the Manila Marriott Hotel Grand Ballroom inside the Newport Resorts World in Pasay City.

She said that besides the Manila Marriott Hotel and because of the choice and strategic location of the competition, the delegates to the grand gymnastics showcase will have other fine accommodations to choose from.

The other official hotel partners are the Sheraton Manila, Hilton Manila, Belmont Manila, Hotel Okura, Savoy Hotel and Hilton Express, all within walking distance of the competition arena within the premier leisure, shopping, entertainment and gaming hub just across the NAIA Terminal 3.

“We have already exceeded the numbers of the second junior worlds that had 234 gymnasts from 64 countries in Antalya, Turkey two years ago. We might be expecting more, and we will be ready for them,” she said.

Just above the FIG logo are a male gymnast and female gymnast performing on the rings and on the balance beam, respectively.

Carrion said they represent the young athletes who are being nurtured and cultured to become the next wave of outstanding gymnasts in the years to come.

“These select athletes are rare, talented, full of potential and ready to shine on the world stage. Just like pearls formed through time and pressure, these gymnasts represent the result of years of dedication, discipline and dreams,” the gymnastics honcho concluded.

Among these hopefuls are the country’s bets Karl Eldrew Yulo, the younger sibling of Paris Olympic gold medalist Carlos Edriel Yulo and Elisabeth Antone, who bagged a bronze medal in the individual all-around event in the recent Asian junior gymnastics championships in Jecheon, South Korea.DANNY SIMON