Underscoring the lively and vivid dynamism of the Olympic sport, “Leap High, Flip Strong!” was chosen by the Gymnastics Association of the Philippines as the slogan for the 3rd Artistic Gymnastics Junior World Championships opening at the Manila Marriott Hotel Grand Ballroom in Pasay City next month.
“’Leap High, Flip Strong!’ is more than just a campaign slogan. It’s a rallying cry of our 24-million Filipino youth to mount a leap of faith especially in these challenging times, and to explore and soar high in search for growth and development,” stressed GAP president Cynthia Carrion.
Largely credited for the success of gymnastics Paris Olympic Games double gold medalist Carlos Edriel Yulo, Carrion, who was cited with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Siklab Atleta Youth Awards last weekend, noted the added significance of the motto.
“ The slogan cultivates a positive mindset, encouraging people to believe in themselves and their abilities,” said the lively gymnastics chief, who has taken the sports to unprecedented heights since taking over the local gymnastics body more than a decade ago.
“This belief is essential for success in any endeavor, including the demanding sports of gymnastics.”
The GAP chief likewise pointed out that the motto embodies the need for athleticism and power for the discipline at an elite level for the tournament that also has the Manila Marriott Hotel, Sheraton Manila, Hilton Manila, Belmont Manila, Hotel Okura, Savoy Hotel and Hilton Express as official hotel partners.
“Power and strength serve as solid foundations to excel in this demanding sport, and to excel in life. It highlights the preparations required to execute complex moves to maneuver both in gymnastics and the real world,” she explained of the gymnastics showcase also supported by the Philippine Sports Commission and the Department of Tourism.
Fans and participants can expect these from the outstanding young gymnasts from all over the world that will vie in the prestigious third edition of the meet sanctioned by the International Gymnastics Federation, widely known by its French acronym FIG, and the Asian Gymnastics Union.
While power and strength are essential elements, gymnasts also need to have grace and agility in pulling off their routines and skills, which makes the sport one most visually pleasing to fans and athletes alike, she pointed out.
“The 3rd Artistic Gymnastics Junior World Championships is going to be a festive celebration of movement, artistry, grace, exuberance and elegance of our budding gymnasts that will surely captivate a global audience,” according to Carrion of the meet set Nov. 20 to 24 to be held inside the Newport World Resorts.
Carrion was proud to announce that already close to 900 athletes from 77 countries have confirmed their participation in the global gymnastics competition to be held inside the major leisure, entertainment, shopping and gaming estate across the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3.
This was not possible without the all-out support of Megaworld REIT chairman and sportsman Kevin Tan, who heads the Local Organizing Committee and whose company operates the Newport World Resorts, and LOC chairman William Vincent “Vinny” Marcos, the son of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and the Pasay City government led by Mayor Emi Calixto-Rubiano.
