CEBUANO ICE SKATERS SHINE

Cebuano figure skaters finish with 31 golds, 36 silvers and 7 bronze medals in the Skate Asia 2018 in Bangkok

Eleven Cebuano figure skaters took home a total of 83 medals at the recently-concluded Skate Asia 2018 event in Bangkok, Thailand earlier this month.

The tournament featured 3,455 events spread out over two venues and it attracted 960 competitors from several countries.

Competing in various age and skill categories, the skaters won a total of 31 golds, 36 silvers and seven bronze medals.

The skaters were led by Coaches Carla Erum and Leny Limson Gomez of the SM Seaside Ice Skating Rink.

Team Coach Carla Erum shared her impressions of Skate Asia 2018. “I was overwhelmed by the number of skaters, who joined the event. Having joined other international competitions, I would say it was the most challenging one our students have experienced so far.”

Erum also said that she was impressed at how the Cebuanos performed during the tournament.

“They did their best and brought home medals for Team Philippines. No matter the result, our skaters showed great sportsmanship and were challenged to do even better next time”

She attributed the skaters’ success to their athleticism, matched with a good attitude. “It is a powerful combination,” Erum said.

For Dominic Chua, winner of 2 gold and 2 silver medals, Skate Asia was a learning experience.

“The best part was the knowledge I gained from other skaters. The methods and techniques they used were so different from ours, yet so precise. It will be very helpful in the coming years.” Chua was the team’s lone male skater.

The 11 Cebuanos joined forces with 6 Manila skaters in representing the country. In total, Team Philippines reaped 103 medals and placed 9th overall among 38 teams.

Skate Asia is the largest, most-attended pan-regional competition in Asia. This year it attracted competitors from Thailand, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Kuwait, Macau, Malaysia, Philippines, United Arab Emirates and Vietnam. /

CEBU ICE SKATERS:

Armielle Bryle Cabrera (6 years old) Isabel Raphaela Esolana (8 y.o.) Maurelle Paredes (8 y.o.) Giuliana Angeli Dinopol (8 y.o.) Francesca Claire Go (9 y.o.) Amara Bryce Cabrera (11 y.o.) Janine Therese Yap (11 y.o.) Shifrah Bouchikhi-Enclona (12 ) Danica Denise Chua (15 y.o.) Nicole Christine Tan (19 y.o.) Dominic Van Chua (38 y.o.)