The brilliance and talent of young gymnasts — both homegrown and foreign — will once again take center stage in the 10th season of the STY (Sonny Ty) International Gymnastics Championships, set for October 17 to 19 at the Alonte Sports Center in Biñan, Laguna.
According to Coach Normita “Boots” Ty, founder of the STY Gymnastics Center and head organizer of the event, more than 800 gymnasts from six countries — Indonesia, Singapore, India, Vietnam, Japan, and the Philippines — are set to compete in what is regarded as the largest grassroots gymnastics tournament in the country.
“If it weren’t for the earthquake disaster and the protests that took place last week, more foreign athletes would have come from Dubai and Hong Kong. But still, the STY Championship remains the biggest grassroots tournament here because our club members from the Visayas and Mindanao will also be joining,” said Ty during the Tabloids Organization in Philippine Sports, Inc. (TOPS) ‘Usapang Sports’ forum on Thursday at the PSC Conference Room in Malate, Manila.
Joining Ty at the forum was 13-year-old Aviell Caballes, one of her standout protégés, who began competing in the STY Championships at age five and is now considered among the most consistent medalists from Ty’s camp.
“Since I started gymnastics at the age of five, I’ve really enjoyed it. All you need is balance — training, studies, and extracurricular activities — to maintain your winning form,” said Caballes, a Grade 8 student at Muntinlupa National High School. “This is my passion. Hopefully, I can make it to the national team someday, compete in the SEA Games, and, like Carlos Yulo, reach the Olympics.”
“Winning a medal is always my focus. I train hard — this is my way of rewarding my parents and coaches for all their sacrifices,” added Caballes, who aims to repeat his four-gold medal haul when he competes in the Batang Pinoy meet from October 25 to 31 in General Santos City.
Ty assured that this year’s competition will maintain world-class standards, with equipment that meets international specifications — gradually acquired through budget savings and private sponsorships over the past decade.
“Our goal is to support the Gymnastics Association of the Philippines (GAP) in developing athletes at the grassroots level. That’s why we ensure our technical officials are well-trained and that our equipment meets global standards. We want parents to feel confident that their children are safe in competition,” Ty said.
However, Ty also lamented the lack of progress in gymnastics competition systems at the Palarong Pambansa.
“I’ve been observing Palaro competitions at the division level, and sadly, there’s been no improvement in the quality of officiating or the equipment used. How can we develop young athletes if they get injured because of substandard equipment?” she exclaimed.
Ty urged the Department of Education (DepEd) to initiate reforms in the way gymnastics competitions are conducted at the Palarong Pambansa.
“Gymnastics should also be part of collegiate leagues like the UAAP and NCAA. If cheerleading can be included, why not gymnastics? This is an Olympic sport, and Carlos Yulo has already proven that Filipinos can be the best in the world,” Ty emphasized.
Ty also expressed gratitude to tournament partners, particularly the Biñan City Government led by Mayor Angelo ‘Gel’ Alonte and Muntinlupa City Mayor Ruffy Biazon.
“With the valuable support of the Biñan local government led by Mayor Alonte, we’re proud to continue promoting sports development and expanding gymnastics exposure in the southern region,” she said.
