Japan donates equipment worth ₱7M to PH gymnastics

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 17) — The Japanese government turned over its donated top-of-the-line equipment worth ₱7 million to the Gymnastics Association of the Philippines on Friday.

Budding gymnasts can now train with newly installed men's parallel bars, women's balance beams, vaults, and soft mats. Some of the equipment were used during the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Kashukawa Kazuhiko led the inauguration of the "Gap Grassroots Gym" inside the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.

Gymnastics Association president Cynthia Carrion said the Japanese government also aims to improve facilities in other areas in the country.

"Not only in Manila, they also want [to donate] in different areas. One in Cebu, Davao, whoever wants to have a nice gym and they're serious [about training]. Japan is also serious. We have to grow together," she said.

Olympian gymnast Carlos Yulo also graced the inauguration and noted that improved training equipment is a vital tool in building future champions.

CNN Philippines' correspondent Pauline Verzosa contributed to this report.