Asian Open Short Track Speed Skating Throphy in the Philippines

An Asian Open Short Ttrack Speed Skating Throphy is now going on in the Philippines!  For the first time in the Philippines, the country host an international speed skating tournament from October 21-23, 2014 – a recreational competition to hone skaters for events such as the Winter Olympics.

Contestants for the Asian Open Short Track Speed Skating Trophy at SM Skating Rink, SM Megamall

The opening of the speed skating tournament was held yesterday, October 21, at the SM Skating Rink, SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City. 

With more than 72 delegates from neighboring countries such as Malaysia, Hong Kong, China, Singapore, Chinese Taipei, and Indonesia will be competing for the gold medal. Usually held in South Korea, China, or Japan, this is the first time that the Philippine Skating Union and International Skating Union will hold the event in the Philippines.

Representing the country is Fil-Am speed skater, Kathryn Victory Magno, who has been coached by ice skating big wigs such as David Glenn and Justin Dillon. Having been trained in the United States, she has won second overall in her division during her first speed skating race, and is currently being trained for the NorCal Speed Skating Association’s State Championships and Age Group Nationals. Kathryn hopes to continue to represent the Philippines for speed skating in succeeding competitions, and in the Winter Olympics 2018.

Mr. Hans Sy ( middle) with the especial guests during the opening of the speed skating tournament.

Manuel Veguillas, President, Philippine Skating Union

Short track speed skating is a competitive Olympic sport that requires four to six players to swiftly race against each other on an oval ice format.

To introduce a prestigious ice sport and develop the range of sports for the Filipino, the SM Skating Rink along with the Philippine Skating Union introduces speed skating through a 3-day international competition sanctioned by the International Skating Union and its regional organization for all Asian countries, the Asian Skating Union.

The Open Short Track Speed Skating Trophy 2014 takes place in SM Megamall’s Mega Fashion Hall on October 21-23, 2014 from 12:40 PM to 6 PM. Admission for guests in the audience is free.

For more information on the Open Short Track Speed Skating Trophy 2014, visit www.facebook.com/smiceskating or dial 556-0471.

SM Lifestyle Entertainment Incorporated or SMLEI is the lifestyle and entertainment solutions company of SM Prime Holdings Inc. that offers the best in movies, events, leisure and technology. Starting with SM Cinema, the largest cinema exhibitor in the country, as its sole marque, the company grew into 12 major brands. Currently tucked under its belt are brands such as SM Cinema, Director’s Club Cinema, IMAX Theatre, WM Cinemas, SM Skating Rink, SM Bowling and Leisure Center, Exploreum, Snack Time, e-PLUS Tap to Pay, e-PLUS Digital, Mall of Asia Arena, and SM Tickets. SMLEI aims to promote bonding activities among Filipino families and friends, through entertainment and leisure facilities, while advocating the ease of use and personalized service created to complement the Filipino lifestyle.

The PhSU is the governing body in the country for figure skating and speed skating.

Through the years, SM and the PhSU have conducted several figure skating competitions that have given birth to international champions such as Michael Christian Martinez. The excellence demonstrated by skaters especially during competitions is a mark of quality that the SM Skating Rink can provide with its world-class venue and facilities. SM Lifestyle Entertainment Inc. is the sole operator of skating rinks in the Philippines at the SM Mega Fashion Hall in Mandaluyong, SM Mall of Asia in Pasay, and SM Southmall in Las Pinas.