The 10th Aerobic Gymnastics Asian Championships officially kicked off following the opening ceremony held on Wednesday at the Tagaytay CT Velodrome.
Nearly 400 gymnasts from 12 countries are competing in the country's hosting of the continental aero gymnastics showcase.
"From the bottom of my heart, I thank you all to be here. And I’m happy to see a lot of people watching. And I hope you really admire aerobic gymnastics because it’s a very good sport," Gymnastics Association of the Philippines president Cynthia Carrion said at the opening festivities.
"We’ve been working for this gymnastics, aerobic gymnastics to be very, very famous. And soon to be an Olympic champion, competition. Because for me, it’s one of the most beautiful gymnastics you can see. It’s only one floor, you have beautiful music, it’s not expensive and you show your skill, your talent and your artistry. So I really love this sport," she added.
READ: Nearly 400 gymnasts to see action in Aero Gymnastics Asian Championships
Tammy Yagi-Kitagawa, president of the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) Aerobic Gymnastics Technical Committee, officially declared the games open.
"This year, we have welcomed 12 national federations and over 300 participants from Asia competing in youth, junior and senior categories. Your presence reflects continued growth and bright future of aerobic gymnastics throughout Asia," she said.
"To all the athletes, you have worked so hard to reach this stage. Over the coming days, compete with passion, confidence, respect and enjoy every performance and create unforgettable memories both on the floor and off the competition floor," Yagi-Kitagawa shared.
The aero gymnastics official thanked the local organizing committee, especially the Gymnastics Association of the Philippines, the Philippine Sports Commission and Philippine Olympic Committee for the world-class tournament.
READ: All systems go for 10th Aero Gymnastics Asian meet in Tagaytay
"I would like to express our sincere appreciation to the Gymnastics Association of the Philippines under the wonderful leadership of its president miss Cynthia Carrion for hosting this prestigious event and for its commitment to the continued growth of aerobic gymnastics in Asia and the world," Yagi-Kitagawa said.
"We are confident that this event will be a great success. I hope everyone enjoys not only the spectacular performances of our athletes. But also the wonderful hospitality, culture and beauty of Tagaytay. I wish all the participants the very best of luck. May this championship strengthen our friendship, inspire the next generation and continue to elevate aerobic gymnastics across Asia," she added.
Alma Malabanan, city administrator of Tagaytay City, delivered a message on behalf of Mayor Aizack Brent Tolentino.
"I’d like to congratulate everyone involved. You can see our preparation, the setup today, we’re leveling up. Hopefully this one of the best hosting of Asia. The Philippines has made a formidable name in gymnastics of course with the winnings of our athletes," she shared.
"We hope that you would be able to appreciate the beauty of our city and that your stay will be able to bring you good and happy memories. We hope this competition will elevate, bring greater honor to the Philippines and to the whole of Asia in the international arena of gymnastics," Malabanan added.
The opening festivities of the continental aero gymnastics showcase featured cultural performances, dance numbers and the athletes taking the stage.
Day 1 of the competition features qualifications for the youth and junior divisions.
The 10th Aerobic Gymnastics Asian Championships will run from August 5 to 7 in Tagaytay City.