The president of the Gymnastics Association of the Philippines (GAP) Cynthia Carrion apologized in a press conference to Filipina gymnasts Aleah Finnegan, Emma Malabuyo, and Levi Jung Ruivivar about the absence of the three to the homecoming parade.
Carrion stated that she was only informed last minute about the parade and homecoming welcome of the Olympians.
“I’m sorry, we didn’t get advice…you should have joined our events.” said Cynthia to Aleah and Emma.
The president recalled that everything was offered last minute to the Philippine Olympic Committee.
“Had I known, of course, I’d be so proud of them being with me…If all of us knew they were here, we would tell them ‘you come,’”. Carrion added.
Before the press conference in Radyo Pilipinas on August 19, Cynthia was interviewed and said, “They were not here. Why will we invite them? They were still flying. We did not know about it at the last minute…we did not even know there was going to be a parade ”.
While other Filipina gymnasts expressed how hurt they were after not receiving an invitation from POC.
Photo Courtesy: Philippine Olympic Committee