Pasay city: Close to 1,000 athletes from 79 countries are set to compete in the 3rd FIG Artistic Gymnastics Junior World Championships, scheduled from November 20 to 24 at the Grand Ballroom of the Manila Marriott Hotel inside the Newport World Resorts. The event is organized by the Gymnastics Association of the Philippines (GAP) and sanctioned by the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) and the Asian Gymnastics Union.
According to Philippines News Agency, the tournament will feature young gymnasts aged 16 to 18 in the men’s division and 14 to 16 in the women’s division. GAP President Cynthia Carrion highlighted the event as a platform for young talent to excel and showcase their skills. She expressed gratitude to FIG President Morinari Watanabe for trusting GAP with hosting duties and noted the increase in participant numbers compared to the previous edition in Antalya, Turkey.
Carrion emphasized the global popularity of gymnastics and projected the tournament as a catalyst for further growth of the sport. The official slogan, “Leap High, Flip Strong!” aims to inspire athletes to maintain a positive mindset amid competitive pressures. Carrion assured that all delegates will experience Filipino hospitality in a safe and festive environment.
Present at the media launch were Philippine Sports Commission Chairperson John Patrick Gregorio, Commissioner Edward Hayco, and FIG officials including Andrew Tombs and Donatella Sacchi. The FIG representatives arrived earlier to inspect facilities, including the Manila Marriott Hotel Grand Ballroom, which previously hosted the 2015 Asian Olympic Qualifying Tournament.
