Young Filipino athletes shine in this year's Batang Pinoy

CNN Philippines

The hunt is on for the country's next Olympians as thousands of young athletes take part in this year's Batang Pinoy Games.  Pauline Verzosa has the highlights.   Visit our website for more #NewsYouCanTrust: https://www.cnnphilippines.com/  Follow our social media pages:  • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CNNPhilippines • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cnnphilippines/ • Twitter: https://twitter.com/cnnphilippines

Transcript

00:00 15-year-old Carl Eldrew Yulo proved he's a clear cut above the rest after completing a seven gold medal sweep in this year's Batang Pinoy Games.

00:08 The younger brother of two-time world champion gymnast Carlos Yulo, Carl, who represented Manila City,

00:13 delivered a sensational performance after topping all individual events in the FIG Juniors 14-15 category,

00:19 showing why he's the future of Philippine gymnastics.

00:22 Carl is just among thousands of young Filipino athletes who are taking the spotlight in the annual Batang Pinoy Games,

00:28 a nationwide multi-sport contest which began in 1999 and is now the country's flagship grassroots competition for athletes ages 17 and below.

00:37 This year, over 18,000 athletes from 193 local government units gathered in the nation's capital where they will compete across 25 sports.

00:45 It's very difficult because there are many provinces that are here.

00:50 There are so many opponents.

00:52 It's okay, even if it's a win or a loss, we should be able to accept it.

00:56 One thousand wins before you get a win.

00:59 So far, the kids did their best, but some got in, while others lost.

01:04 It's really disciplined when there's a...

01:08 Every kid has a sport. That's the importance of sports. It teaches them how to do this and that, so they don't get lost in the vice.

01:19 Many of this year's participants are joining Batang Pinoy for the very first time,

01:23 including these dynamic gymnasts from Cebu and Davao del Norte,

01:26 who took center stage and showcased their skills on Wednesday in Rizal Memorial Coliseum.

01:31 It's fun because we got to come here and join Batang Pinoy.

01:37 I think I did well in my performance because I worked hard on it.

01:42 And I would say I'm really proud of myself.

01:47 My dream is to have a gold medal.

01:50 Coaches and parents were also seen in full force throughout the competition to support the dreams of their young athletes.

01:56 Batang Pinoy is really important to kids because the purpose of Batang Pinoy is to nourish and build kids' confidence and build kids' character.

02:06 It's important for exposure. And in Tagum City, LGU Tagum City, this is our first time that Batang Pinoy has played.

02:19 I told the kids, "Just enjoy and show your talent."

02:25 It was also through Batang Pinoy where the country discovered and produced great athletes such as Haidyln Diaz and Carlos Yulo.

02:31 Now, the Philippine Sports Commission remains keen on developing more talents who can carry the torch and represent the flag on the world stage.

02:38 It's really very important that they are introduced to the sport at a very young age.

02:42 Batang Pinoy is really great.

02:45 There's so much talent and we're asking the NSA to look into it too so that they can get them for their grassroots program.

02:53 This year's Batang Pinoy kicked off alongside the Philippine National Games and will run simultaneously until December 22.

03:00 Pauline Verzosa, CNN Philippines.

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