“From
cartwheels to championships”
SunStar Davao, September 2, 2023
In
a dazzling display of talent, passion, and flips that defy gravity, Davao
gymnasts, aged 6 to 16, recently took center stage at the 8th Total Gymnastique
International Gymnastic Tournament held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Proudly
representing Team Philippines, these young athletes transformed into veritable
stars, capturing hearts and medals alike. The competition was not just a
showcase; it was a testament to the Davao Golden Twist Gymnastics Training
Center’s dedication and the athletes' unwavering commitment.
In the thrilling lineup of triumphs, the Level 4 Gymnasts emerged as Overall Finals Champions for Women’s Artistic Gymnastics in their category level, each clutching a coveted gold medal. Junayda Jaji, Sofia Bisnar, Keisha Joy Besiera, and Antoinette Salonga amazed the world with their extraordinary skills.
Meanwhile, Level 3 Gymnasts danced their way into the hearts of judges, securing Overall Finals Champion titles for Women’s Artistic Gymnastics in their category. Among these champions, Bernalene Chelza Al-ag, Raia Ciel Casiňo, Ara Mikaliel Sol Cruz, Demi Daub, and Chalsea Belle Louise Tuazon sparkled with the brilliance of gold.
Soaring to success
Even
the neophyte Level 2 Gymnasts made an impressive mark, bagging Third Place in
the Overall Finals for Women’s Artistic Gymnastics in their category. Khloe
Kashton Legaspi, Lexinne Therese Trinidad, Caila Simone Valenzuela, Adhara Zfia
Sipacio, and Lisa Hirschler burst forth with bronze glory.
From Level 2 to Level 4, individual medals hung wonderfully shiny around the necks of Davao Golden Twist's talented gymnasts. Khloe Kashton Legaspi claimed bronze in the Balance Beam and Vault disciplines, while Caila Simone Valenzuela gleamed with gold in the Balance Beam.
For Level 3, Raia Ciel Casiňo secured silver in Floor Exercise, while Ara Mikaliel Sol Cruz danced her way to gold in Floor Exercise and silver in Balance Beam. Her bronze in the Individual All-Around category was a testament to her well-rounded brilliance. Chalsea Belle Louise Tuazon added more shine with gold in Balance Beam and bronze in Individual All-Around. In addition, Demi Daub was awarded a bronze medal in Floor Exercise.
The triumphant Level 4 Junayda Jaji snatched gold in Floor Exercise, silver in Vault and Individual All-Around, as well as bronze in Balance Beam while Antoinette Salonga earned silver in Beam.
As the cheers echoed in Kuala Lumpur's arena, the world witnessed the prowess of Davao Golden Twist's gymnasts. Their flips were not just physical; they were a manifestation of dreams, sweat, and a deep-rooted passion for the art of gymnastics.
Nurturing
dreams, one tumble at a time
Behind
the scenes of this acrobatic adventure is a group of passionate individuals who
believe that with the right training and support, young gymnasts can become
champions.
Spearheading
the endeavor is Liezl Janet Sangutan, a registered nurse turned businesswoman
who knows that gymnastics is not just about flexibility and strength; it is
about nurturing well-rounded individuals. Assisting her is Cassandra Louise
Tuazon, who not only brings medical knowledge to the table but also champions
the importance of physical and mental well-being.
But what's a gymnastics center without the guidance of experts? That's where Joel Jamli Jaji Jr. steps in, a coach affiliated with the Gymnastics Association of the Philippines (GAP). His experience as a father and a coach enables him to mentor budding gymnasts with both skill and heart.
Joining
them is Jhony Diaz Romualdo, a technical consultant with a decorated history in
the sport. His technical prowess and international experience make him the
secret ingredient in this recipe for success. Ensuring legal compliance is Lynn
Mayett Ybañez Sumatra, a lawyer with an eye for detail.
The
center's offerings are as diverse as its team. From after-school training to
Australian Level Gymnastics and Fédération Internationale de Gymnastique (FIG)
programs, there is something for everyone. And the ambition does not stop at
the city limits. Davao Golden Twist is partnering with schools to make
gymnastics an integral part of education, fostering discipline and strength
from an early age. They have also trained gymnasts who participated in the
Palarong Pambansa 2023.
Flipping forward
Not
content with just training, Davao Golden Twist is soaring to new heights by
hosting the 1st Mindanao-Wide Gymnastics Competition. This grand event promises
to showcase the region's finest talents and celebrate the power of sports to
unite communities.
With
their affiliation to the Gymnastics Association of the Philippines, these
gymnasts have a ticket to the world stage. But it is not just about
competition; it is about camaraderie and personal growth as well. Davao
Golden Twist gymnasts have been invited to prestigious meets in Malaysia,
Thailand, Hong Kong, and Dubai, proving that while flips might be universal,
friendships are too.
The Davao Golden Twist Gymnastics Training Center is not just about gymnastics; it is about dreams taking flight, about determination, and about kids becoming champions. So, the next time you see a Davao gymnast gracefully executing a perfect routine, remember that behind those flips and twists lies a story of passion, teamwork, and the spirit of DGT.
Davao Golden Twist Gymnastics Training Center's after-school
gymnastics training class is open to all interested and aspiring gymnasts. They are open Mondays to Fridays from 10:30 am to 8:30 pm and Saturdays from 8:30 am
to 8:30 pm.
E-mail the author at mom.about.town.dvo@gmail.com. Visit http://momabouttowndavao.blogspot.com/.
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