PHL Gymnasts to Join Mikhail Voronin Cup For The First Time, Seek Funding

The Gymnastics Association of the Philippines (GAP) is seeking the assistance of the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) to fund the participation of six athletes in Russia this December.

GAP Secretary General Bettina Pou said three junior and three senior athletes are hoping to see action in the Mikhail Voronin Cup, to be held on Dec. 18-21 in Moscow.

The budget for the trip was estimated at PHP800,000 for a group of eight people, including one coach and one technical official. The amount covers airfare, accommodation, per diem, visa fees and insurance.

Pou said the selection for the Moscow competition, which will come from the national pool members, will be finalized in October.

“This is the first time that we will attend this competition which is part of our preparation for the Southeast Asian Games in Malaysia next year,” said the GAP official.

“We are already gearing all our training programs in preparation for the SEA Games next year. Participating in international competitions will definitely be part of this program. We will be including these in our budget for 2017, which will be submitted to PSC for approval by November this year,” Pou further said. (PNA) CVL/JTM-JEAN T. MALANUM/EDS