Some 1,500 athletes from 79 countries are expected to show up for the third FIG Artistic Gymnastics Junior World Championship that Philippines will host this November.
The turnout has thrilled the Gymnastics Association of the Philippines (GAP) and its president Cynthia Carrion, who said that the number of entries have gone beyond their expectations.
“So far, I expected 63 countries. Now, it’s 79. Everybody is excited at having this event hosted in the country,” said Carrion.
The gymnastics’ chief talked about the world tournament during its launch on Thursday at the Newport Performing Arts Theatre inside the Newport World Resorts Mall in Pasay City.
Gymnastics officials from the Philippines and from all over the world are upbeat that a new generation of aspiring stars will be around, waiting to be discovered.
Organized by the GAP and sanctioned by the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG), the event will be held from Nov. 20 to 24 at the Marriott Hotel in Pasay City.
“Gymnastics is a beautiful sport. I hope more people will support the sport, and our hosting,” added Carrion, in the launch which was graced by Philippine Sports Commission chairman Patrick Gregorio.
Top officials of the FIG were also around, days after inspecting the competition venue that will be used for the meet.
FIG Men Artistic Gymnastics Technical Committee President Andrew Tombs also discussed their observations with Women’s Artistic Gymnastics Technical Committee President Donatella Sacchi.
MAG Senior Events Manager Stepane Detraz and WAG Senior Events Manager Celine Cachemaille were also around.
The FIG officials were in the country since Wednesday to evaluate the facilities.
Carrion said the number of delegates coming have exceeded the 283 athletes from 64 nations which flocked to the second edition in Antalya, Turkey two years ago.
Already registered are 856 gymnasts from 83 countries, with GAP secretary general Rowena Bautista expecting the registry to reach 1,500 participants.
