Olympian Levi Jung-Ruivivar brought her skills and experience back home as she led a special gymnastics clinic for young athletes at the PGAA S.TY Gym in Carmona, Cavite.
Filipina gymnast Levi Jung-Ruivivar is back home to the give grassroots gymnastics a boost, leading a special clinic at the PGAA S.TY Gym in Cavite on Sunday where she shared her skills, knowledge, and passion with aspiring gymnasts.
The 19-year-old Olympian connected directly with her youthful guests, guiding their movements and offering advice that they could carry into training.
“Sobrang helpful nito sa mga bata lalo na marami na silang inspiration ngayon. Ang gymnastics ngayon sa Pilipinas ay lumalaki na and once in a lifetime ‘tong experience na ‘to sa kanila,” said Coach Ace Lim, a member of the national men’s team from 2013 to 2016.
“Mabo-boost sila sa training kasi idol nila, Olympian na babae. Lalo na si Levi and ang daming excited na bata na makita si Levi. Napapanood nila ’yong previous competitions niya and how graceful si Levi sa floor.”
For the kids on the mat, the encounter was just as impactful.
“Mahalaga po siya sa amin kasi natututo din po kami sa mga tips na binibigay niya sa amin para ma-complete or maayos ’yong skills na nahihirapan po kami,” said Avielle Caballes, a 12-year-old gymnast.
Parents also felt the significance of Levi’s effort, which comes just over a year after her Olympics debut in Paris.
“Iba kasi ’yong level na pwedeng ipasa niya sa mga gymnast din kagaya ng anak ko. Malaking bagay na mai-apply ng mga bata na gymnasts din dito ’yong mga natutunan niya sa States,” said Giselle Paduit, mother of Avielle.
The clinic served as an avenue for young gymnasts to learn from an Olympian, while highlighting the continued growth of gymnastics in the Philippines.