Filipino ice athletes assured of support

MANILA, Philippines — SM Skating, a major patron in the country’s ice sports program, has vowed to continue developing the talents and skills of young, aspiring athletes to keep alive their dreams of qualifying and competing in future winter Olympics and other international competitions.

SM Skating executives also reiterated their commitment to provide training and offer world-class ice skating facilities to Filipino ice athletes after welcoming home figure skater Michael Martinez at the Olympic-size rink inside the SM Mall of Asia in Pasay.

“We are grateful for the sacrifices made and dedication shown by Michael Martinez in the just-concluded winter Olympics. He has become not only a source of pride but also an inspiration especially for the budding ice athletes who, I believe, will carry our country’s colors in future international tournaments,” said Herman Medina-Cue, SM Lifestyle Entertainment Inc. chief operating officer.

Martinez vied in the 2018 Winter Olympics in South Korea where he came up short in his bid to advance in the men’s single figure skating event. Despite the setback, Martinez said he is honored to be given the chance to compete once more on the global stage.

“Competing at that level of the winter Olympics, against world-class figure skating talents, and performing in front of the world, is already a reward. I am honored to have represented the country and I hope to become an inspiration to the next generation of ice athletes,” Martinez said.