MANILA — Senator Christopher “Bong” Go demonstrated his support for athletes heading to the Paris Olympics by distributing PHP500,000 each to the qualified athletes in a simple ceremony at the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Conference Hall inside the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex in Manila.
The recipients of the cash incentives included boxer Nesthy Petecio, gymnast Carlos Yulo, rower Joanie Delgaco, and weightlifters Vanessa Sarno, John Febuar Ceniza, and Elreen Ando.
Also qualifying for Paris are pole vaulter EJ Obiena; gymnasts Aleah Finnegan, Levi Ruivivar, and Emma Malabuyo; boxers Aira Villegas, Hergie Bacyadan, Eumir Marcial, and Carlo Paalam; and fencer Sam Catantan.
Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) commissioner Olivia “Bong” Coo expressed her gratitude to Senator Bong Go for his commitment to enriching their sector as Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Youth and Sports. She commended his dedication to improving policies and programs for all athletes.
In his speech during the ceremony, Senator Go emphasized that he was pleased to provide assistance. He encouraged the athletes to give their best efforts in order to bring honor to their country because honor is more important than money.
The PSC has allocated PHP52 million for various expenses related to preparation, training, participation logistics such as airfare and luggage costs as well as parade uniforms.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is scheduled to send off members of the Philippine delegation at Ayuntamiento de Manila’s Marble Hall in Intramuros on Friday afternoon.
Selected athletes will depart on June 22 for Metz, France where they will stay at a training facility for final preparations before participating in the Olympics scheduled from July 26th until August 11th.
(el Amigo/mnm)
