By MARK REY MONTEJO

The Philippine Skating Union steps up its efforts to further promote the sport in a tropical country like the Philippines.

National team coach Abraham Domdom (left) and PSU president Nikki Cheng.

Skating Union of the Philippines president Nikki Cheng said they target to field a female skater in the Winter Olympics, with Sofia Frank and Isabela Gamez among the strongest contenders for coveted spots.

“Ang pangarap parin namin us, PSU, is to bring the first female Winter Olympian ng Pilipinas. Ang Pilipinas ay never pang nagpadala ng babae not just in figure skating but (also) in any sports in Winter Olympics,” Cheng said.

Michael Christian Martinez became the first Filipino qualifier for the quadrennial event when he competed in the 2014 and 2018 Winter Olympics where he finished 18^th and 28^th, respectively. He was also the first skater from Southeast Asia to vie in the Winter Olympics.

Cheng told the forum presented by San Miguel Corporation, Philippine Sports Commission, MILO, Philippine Olympic Committee, and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) that the PSU will not stop pursuing that goal.

“It’s a milestone that we want to happen,” said Cheng, who was joined by national team coach Abraham Domdom.

On tap for the PSU in the remainder of the year are the Southeast Asian Trophy: Manila Series in October, the National Figure Skating Championships in November and the Carols on Ice also in November, all at the SM Skating Mall of Asia.