COMPETITIONS will be tough in the junior division of the Philippine National Figure Skating Championships 2014 when it begins on Thursday at the SM Mall of Asia ice skating rink in Pasay City.
Philippine Skating Union president Pocholo Veguillas said this as the quest to choose members of a pool of skaters who can represent the country in coming international meets fires off tomorrow at 11 a.m.
Manuel Veguillas (sixth from left), President of the Philippine Skating Union, and Raymund Retumban (seventh from left), Division Manager of the SM Skating Rinks, are shown with participants of the Philippine National Figure Skating Championship 2014 during the press conference announcing the competition at the Mall of Asia. LINO SANTOS
“The competitions will always be tough because all the kids are trying to uplift their level,” said Veguillas during yesterday’s press conference with Nicole Deato, SM SM Lifestyle and Entertainment, Inc. assistant vice president.
Thirty skaters from six divisions are taking part in the meet, which aims to develop a pool of athletes specializing in winter-based sports.
Fifteen-year-old bets Louwee Shibata and Dominique Katigbak lead the competitors in the junior ladies’ division and are expected to be challenged by older rivals Samantha Cabiles and Bianca Vinarao.
“Maraming magagaling dito, anybody can win,” said Veguillas, who added that four slots will be available in the junior level competitions.
He also explained and the winner, or the top four finishers can earn slots to four international meets slated next year.
Fil-American bet Frances Untalan is entered in the senior ladies, while Jules Alpe is joining the junior men.
The first of the two-day event serves as a pre-final round for skaters, with everyone required to perform interpretative routines or short programs.
Organizers pride themselves with the emergence of Michael Martinez, who first saw action in the national finals during his early campaigns.
Martinez made his mark when he saw action in the Sochi Winter Olympics last year.