Filipina gymnast Levi Ruivivar has addressed her absence from the Heroes’ Grand Homecoming Parade, held last Wednesday, for the country’s Olympians. In an Instagram post, Ruivivar explained that she was unaware of the event and was never informed about her invitation.
“I truly wish from the bottom of my heart that I could have attended and been part of this event, but unfortunately I was never informed that I was invited or presented with the opportunity to go,” Ruivivar shared.
She recounted how she heard about the event through a member of the Olympic delegation and even reached out to her National Sports Association (NSA) head for clarification. However, she was told the event was only for medalists, leaving her shocked when she saw the other Filipino Olympians at the parade.
“I was really hurt considering this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity I missed out on,” she expressed, emphasizing her desire to celebrate with her fellow athletes.
Gymnastics Association of the Philippines President Cynthia Carrion also addressed the issue, apologizing for the miscommunication and acknowledging that the organization was not informed of the event in time to include all gymnasts.
Ruivivar concluded her post by expressing her excitement to continue representing the Philippines and inspiring the next generation of gymnasts.