The National Collegiate Athletic Association is expanding its role in athlete development by introducing aerobic gymnastics into its Season 101 calendar, marking a significant step in strengthening grassroots sports in the Philippines. The initiative, launched on Saturday, April 11, at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum, aims to create a new pathway for collegiate athletes to transition into potential national team standouts.

The program is being implemented in partnership with the Philippine Sports Commission and the Gymnastics Association of the Philippines, reinforcing a unified effort to nurture emerging talent. By integrating aerobic gymnastics into the collegiate system, the NCAA is broadening opportunities for student-athletes to develop skills aligned with international competition standards.

PSC Chairman Patrick Gregorio emphasized that the league’s involvement could play a crucial role in shaping the country’s future representatives in gymnastics. He highlighted the importance of sustained grassroots efforts in building athletes capable of competing at the highest level.

“Every gymnast we see here could be a future national athlete. The NCAA is giving them a stage, and the PSC is committed to supporting programs that transform potential into performance. This is how we build champions, not overnight, but through sustained grassroots development,” said Gregorio.

NCAA strengthens grassroots pipeline for gymnastics

Aerobic gymnastics, defined by continuous and high-intensity movement routines performed to music, adds another dimension to the country’s gymnastics landscape. The discipline complements artistic gymnastics, where Olympic champion Carlos Yulo has elevated the Philippines’ global profile.

By introducing the sport at the collegiate level, the NCAA is effectively widening the talent pool and creating a structured environment for athletes to refine their discipline, coordination, and performance skills. This move is expected to contribute to a stronger pipeline for national team selection in the coming years.

“We want to ensure that collegiate athletes are given opportunities to grow, and gymnastics is a discipline that can sharpen their skills, discipline, and artistry,” Gregorio said.

Program set for exhibition ahead of future competitions

NCAA Management Committee member Paul Supan of Jose Rizal University underscored that the initiative aligns with the league’s broader mission of developing well-rounded student-athletes. He noted that partnerships with national sports bodies strengthen the NCAA’s capacity to prepare athletes for international representation.

“That’s the duty of the NCAA, to develop the student-athletes. The bottomline is, siyempre to be a good student, you have to be a good citizen, but along the way, gusto namin that you will represent the country well in international competitions,” Supan said.

Participants in the program will undergo six structured training sessions conducted by the Gymnastics Association of the Philippines, culminating in an exhibition showcase scheduled for May 21 at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum. The event will serve as an evaluation platform for the sport’s potential inclusion as a demonstration event in future NCAA seasons.

GAP President Cynthia Carrion welcomed the initiative, noting that aerobic gymnastics promotes essential qualities such as balance, flexibility, and discipline—key attributes for world-class athletes. The collaboration reflects a shared commitment among stakeholders to elevate Philippine gymnastics through early and continuous development.

Beyond gymnastics, the NCAA calendar also includes upcoming competitions in golf, weightlifting, and boxing, hosted by various member schools. However, the introduction of aerobic gymnastics stands out as a long-term investment in the country’s sporting future.

“We are planting seeds today. With the NCAA’s support, we can look forward to seeing collegiate athletes rise to become the next generation of Philippine gymnastics champions,” Gregorio said.