World Junior Gymfest lifts off today

THEY will leap high and flip strong, twirl and tumble, prance and dance, as the next generation of gymnastics stars showcase their skills and talent in the 3rd FIG Artistic Gymnastics Junior World Championships beginning today at the Manila Marriott Hotel Grand Ballroom at the Newport World Resorts in Pasay City.

Ushering in the hostilities of the gymnastics extravanga supported by the Office of the President, Philippine Sports Commission and Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation will be a lively and fiesta-like opening ceremony at 9:15 a.m. of the five-day championships organized by the Gymnastics Association of the Philippines.

With matinee idol Derek Ramsey, a GAP member, as the master of ceremonies, the compact 30-minute program will highlight the 74 nations and close to 800 gymnasts, who aim to bring pride and their glory to their respective countries in the competition that serves as their stepping stone to international play.

Journey Filipino vocalist Arnel Pineda will be one of the highlights of the show in singing the catchy theme song "Going for Gold."

"What we here is a never-before-seen international gymnastics showcase that will be held on our shores. So we encourage everyone to join the fun and watch them perform," said GAP president Cynthia Carrion during the opening press conference held at the Manila Marriot Hotel Grand Ballroom Ceremonial Hall.

Also present during the occasion were FIG President Morinari Watanabe, Secretary General Nicolas Baumpane, PSC Chairman Patrick Gregorio, PSC Commissioner Edward Hayco, Newport World Resorts Hospitaly Chief John Lucas and Newport World Resorts Senior Vice President Resort Sales Division.

"As we keep on repeating, hosting international sports events are great for tourism. We have close to 2,000 visitors who are coming over the junior worlds and this is a prime example of what we're talking about. Tita Cynthia knows that," said Gregorio at the briefing while referring to Carrion's past experience as tourism undersecretary.

First to perform for the Philippines is the girls team of Sabina Tayag, Maxine Bondoc, Jellian Bantilan and Fil-Am Elisabeth Antone, who were all grateful to play in front of the hometown crowd of the meet also backed by Smart/PLDT, Milo and Pocari Sweat.

"I am so excited to play in this tournament and the opportunity to play in front of a hometown crowd," said Bondoc, 13, "and meet so many people for the first time here."

The boys gymnastics squad led by Karl Eldrew Yulo, who will be joined by John Anthony Palles, younger brother Hilarion III, and CJ Pernia, are set to compete tomorrow in the team and qualification events.DAS

UNITED TOGETHER - FIG President Morinar Watanabe (fifth from left) joins local officials led by Gymnastics Association of the Philippines President Cynthia Carrion (fourth from left) and PSC Chairman Patrick Gregorio (third from left) join hands at the opening press conference of the 3rd FIG Artistic Gymnastics Junior World Championships. Flanking them are mascots Bughaw (left) and Lila.