PH eyes slot as kiteboarding makes debut in YOG

Philippine Kiteboarding Association president Jay Ortiz is confident about the country’s chances in landing a spot in the 2018 Youth Olympic Games to be held in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

A lone Asian slot for the YOG will be at stake in the Kiteboarding Asian Championships in March 2018.

Filipino star Christian Tio, the reigning Asian champion, is among the favorites to win.

“We’re hoping to get the lone qualifying Asian slot. Christian won that last year so if he can repeat that, we will now have a slot in the YOG,” said Ortiz during the launch of the 5th ICTSI Philippine Kiteboarding Tour Tuesday at Mango Tree Bistro at BGC in Taguig.

Ortiz is hoping to continue spreading awareness when it comes to the sport through the Philippine Kiteboarding Tour, which sails off in style beginning December 1.

The first of four stops will be staged at a new location in Lakawon Island in Bacolod.

“We’re still going to promote kiteboarding all over the country. That’s why this is the first time that we’re bringing the event in Lakawon island in Bacolod,” said Ortiz. “It has become one of the most popular destinations for kitesurfers and there has been a big consciousness about the island.”

Spanish women’s champion Julia Castro and Swedish ace Atte Kapel and the 17-year-old Tio are expected to lead more than 300 participants.

From Lakawon Island, the tour goes to Bantayan Island in Cebu for its second leg on January 5 to 7 then it shifts to Boracay from Feb. 9-11 before concluding in Cagbalete Island, Quezon on March 2-4.