(16 April 2014, Pasay City, Philippines) TheSM Skating Rink in the newly opened Mega Fashion Hall in SM Megamall is set to hold the International Skating Union (ISU) World Development Trophy in Manila from April 21 to 26, 2014.
The ISU World Development Trophy, which is organized by the ISU in partnership with the Philippine Skating Union (PhSU), promises to be even bigger and better this year. A total of 56 skaters from 15 countries will vie for the championship, particularly from the Philippines, Argentina, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mongolia, New Zealand, Korea DPR, Singapore, South Africa, Chinese Taipei, Thailand, United Arab Emirates and Uzbekistan.
Last April 2013, the PhSU hosted the 2013 ISU Development Trophy at the SM Mall of Asia Ice Skating Rink where 11 countries and a total of 53 qualified skaters and coaches participated in this prestigious ISU-sanctioned event.
Six skaters will represent PhSU in three categories: Juniors, Novice A and Novice B. These are: Sofia Guidote, Audrey Alcaraz, Alyssa Comia, Elia Mendoza, Keith Stephanie Angeles and Dominique Katigbak.
During the competition, the skating rink in Megamall will be open only from 5PM to 10PM on April 21-25 and will be closed on April 26 to give way to the ISU World Development Trophy.
The PhSU is the governing body in the country for figure skating and speed skating. It is a member of the ISU which is the exclusive international sports federation for figure and speed skating recognized by the International Olympic Committee. The ISU administers speed and figure skating throughout the world. It is composed of a number of national organizations referred to as ISU members who administer ISU sports at the national level.
With the sustained support and confidence of the ISU, the PhSU is geared towards hosting future international events such as the Asian Short Track Speed Skating Development Trophy, the 1st ISU Asian Figure Skating Championship and eventually the ISU World Juniors and the ISU Four Continents Championships. The PhSU works persistently towards the promotion of the sport in the Philippines and throughout the world.
SM has been the primary supporter of the PhSU and competitive ice skating since the latter was established in 2005. SM also provides a venue for the events of PhSU for the promotion of ice skating in the Philippines. PhSU received accreditation from the ISU in 2006, coinciding with the opening of the Olympic-sized SM Mall of Asia skating rink that year. In turn, PhSU, as the sole governing body for Figure and Speed Skating, provides SM and its ice skating rinks with marketing tools such as local and international skating events and its network of skating athletes.
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.
For information, contact:
Mr. Raymund Retumban
Division Manager – SM Ice Skating Rinks
SM Lifestyle Entertainment, Inc.
raymund.retumban@smsupermalls.com
Tel.No. (+63917) 5525142
Mr. Noel Resultay
Senior Operations Manager for SM Skating Southmall
SM Lifestyle Entertainment, Inc.
noel.resultay@smsupermalls.com
Tel. No. (+63917) 8317228
Date:
Wednesday, April 16, 2014