Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go distributed PHP500,000 each to athletes who qualified for the Paris Olympics during a simple ceremony at the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Conference Hall inside the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex in Manila on Friday.
Among those who received their checks were boxer Nesthy Petecio, the 2020 Tokyo silver medalist; gymnast Carlos Yulo; rower Joanie Delgaco; and weightlifters Vanessa Sarno, John Febuar Ceniza, and Elreen Ando.
Other athletes who qualified 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.
“Special thanks to Senator Bong Go for your commitment to enrich our sector as a chairperson of the Senate Committee on Youth and Sports. Your dedication to be always at the forefront of (the) fight to better policies and programs for all the athletes deserve to be given a salute. The agency is eager to see the victory we can achieve and your contribution is definitely commendable,” said Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) commissioner Olivia “Bong” Coo, who was accompanied by fellow commissioner Edward Hayco and executive director Paolo Tatad.
In his speech, Go said he was more than happy to help.
“Huwag kayong magpasalamat sa akin. Ako ang dapat na magpasalamat dahil sa binigyan nyo ako ng pagkakataon na makapagserbisyo sa inyo. Hinding-hindi ko pababayaaan ang mga atleta (Don’t thank me. I should be the one to thank you for giving me the opportunity to serve you. I will never let the athletes down), ” said the senator, who plays basketball.
Go told the athletes to give their best to bring honor to the country because honor is more important than money.
“Kilalang-kilala ang mga Pilipino na lumalaban talaga. Alam kong lalaban kayo, kaya go for gold, yan ang motivation nyo (Filipinos are well-known as fighters. I know you will fight, so go for gold, that’s your motivation),” he said.
“Lagi ninyong tatandaan, nandito lang kami sa likod para suportahan kayo (Always remember, we are behind you, providing support).”
Weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz gave the Philippines its first gold medal at the Tokyo Games. The other medalists were Paalam (silver) and Marcial (bronze).
The PSC has allotted PHP52 million for the Paris Olympics, covering preparation, training, and actual participation, as well as airfare, luggage, and parade uniforms.
Meanwhile, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is scheduled to send off the members of the Philippine delegation at the Marble Hall of the Ayuntamiento de Manila in Intramuros on Friday afternoon.
Some athletes will leave on June 22 for Metz, France where they will stay in a training facility for their final preparations.
The Olympics is scheduled from July 26 to Aug. 11. (PNA)
