Sunday, July 26, 2009

Pinoy Ice Skaters Vied for Winter Olympics Slot at 2009 Philippine National Figure Skating Challenge

The country’s best skaters battled in out for gold and the chance to represent the country at the 2010 Winter Olympics during the 2009 Philippine National Figure Skating Challenge held last July 18 – 19, 2009 at the SM Mall of Asia International Ice Skating Rink of SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City.

Organized by the Philippine Skating Union, the event served as venue to identify the country’s representative for the 2009 Nebelhorn Trophy in Oberstdorf, Germany last Sept. 23 to 26, 2009. The event served as the final qualifying competition for the 2010 Winter Olympics on February 12-28, 2010 to be held in Vancouver, Canada.

Mr. Dikki John Martinez was automatically named the men’s champion being the lone entry in the competition, garnering a score of 94.19 points. Mr. John Samuel Minas was also the lone competitor in the boys’ juniors. He scored 97.90 points

In the girls’ junior division, Ms. Zhaira Costiniano from Dallas, Texas won with a score of 108.08 points. Ms. Carmen Naomi Damian took the silver (74.33) and Ma. Jessica Cabili earned the bronze (53.29).

Ms. Mericien Venzon earned the right to represent the country in the qualifying match in Germany as she won in the women’s senior division with a score of 102.29 points. Ms. Lauren Astorga Ko finished second with 102.13 while Ms. Gracielle Jean Tan took home the bronze with 101.86 points.

The awards were handed by PSU President Ric Camaligan, PSU Chairman Hans Sy, PSU Secretary General Manuel Veguillas, and Philippine Olympic Committee President Jose ‘Peping’ Coquangco Jr.

Ms. Venzon’s victory made her the country’s sole representative in the 2009 Nebelhorn Trophy. However, the Fil-Am skater did not qualify to participate in the Winter Olympics after finishing at 88.78 points.

The 2009 Philippine National Figure Skating Challenge is sponsored by Pepsi, Milo, The Philippine Star, Super Bowl of China, 105.1 Crossover, Accel Sporteum Philippines, Nido Fortified Science Discovery Center, Nature’s Spring Mineral Water, Kenny Rogers Roasters, Congo Grille, and Heritage Multi-Office Products, Inc.

For more information about the event, contact the Philippine Skating Union at (632) 833-5088, fax (632) 834-1079, or email rdc@smsupermall.com.ph.

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