The 1st MK Rhythmic Gymnastics International Online Competition has etched its name in Philippine history as it successfully conducted the first-ever rhythmic gymnastics international online competition held last February 25 to 28, 2021.

The event gathered 120 gymnasts from 21 clubs across the globe with participants coming from Hongkong, Mexico, Germany, Australia, France and the Philippines.

MK Gymnastics Club co-founders Ma. Kristina Alagaban and Coach Kris Joy Leeping stressed they never have thought of carrying out the competition successfully given the numerous challenges they encountered from the preparation stage to the actual conduct of the competition.

“What drove us to organize this online competition is our desire to promote the sport of rhythmic gymnastics even during this time of the pandemic. We in MK wanted to provide the opportunity for gymnasts, not only here in the Philippines but also from other countries, to perform and showcase their skills even with the use of technology and online means,” Ma. Kristina Alagaban said.

A total of 90 gold, 49 silver, and 33 bronze medals were handed out to the podium finishers from different categories namely baby; developmental; pre-junior; junior; and senior. Apart from the categories, the awards were based also on the year of birth of the gymnasts and the apparatus used in performing the routine such as freehand, ball, hoop, clubs, rope and ribbon.

Certificates were also given to 4th to 6th placers and special awardees, namely Miss Expression; Miss Elegance; Miss Energetic; Miss Flexibility; and Miss Smile. Certificates were also awarded to the coaches, the clubs, and all the competing gymnasts in appreciation of their active participation in the competition.

“The organizers and the people behind the conduct of this competition are glad and relieved that we were able to pull this off. We would like to thank all those individuals who have been instrumental in making this event a huge success. This achievement is not just a Negrense pride, but the whole Philippine pride as well,” Coach Kris Joy Leeping said.

The 1st MK Rhythmic Gymnastics International Online Competition was organized by MK Gymnastics Club, a distinguished rhythmic gymnastics club established in 2017 in Bacolod City, Negros Occidental, in partnership with Samsung and Smart Communications.