FOR FLAG AND GLORY. Gymnast Carlos Yulo (right) and the other Paris Olympians attend an incentive distribution ceremony at the Philippine Sports Commission office in Manila on Friday (June 21, 2024). Fifteen have qualified for the Olympics so far. (Photo courtesy of PSC)
MANILA – Senator Pia Cayetano on Friday appealed to the private sector and the government to provide enough funds to the participating athletes in the Paris Olympics and Paralympics to be held July to September.
Cayetano, a former student athlete and national volleyball team member, underscored the need to provide proper support, including adequate funding, to ensure the success of Filipino athletes.
“On our part, in terms of legislation, we provide funding for the athletes because we want them to reach that level. It's part of our job to support our athletes. They bring so much pride and joy to the country. We must give them commensurate financial support so they can perform well,” she said in a news release.
In seeking for more financial support, the senator emphasized the rigorous journey that athletes and para-athletes had to undertake to earn their place in global sporting events.
“I want our Olympians and Paralympians to know that we are proud of them. Para sa kaalaman ng mga kababayan natin, hindi ka basta-basta pwedeng pumunta sa Olympics at Paralympics nang hindi ka nag-qualify. Dadaan ka sa butas ng karayom (For everyone’s information, one does not just go to the Olympics and Paralympics without qualifying. You have to pass through the proverbial eye of the needle). The fact that they have reached this far, we are already very proud of them,” Cayetano said.
Cayetano promotes sports through her advocacy arm, Pinay In Action (PIA), which has been conducting sports clinics and tournaments for almost two decades now.
“We are proud of you. One athlete can change the lives of so many young people,” she said, addressing the athletes.
“I encourage all Filipinos to cheer for our Olympians and Paralympians, send them messages of encouragement and gratitude. Dala nila ang bandila natin (They represent our flag).”
Representing the Philippines in the Summer Olympics are pole vaulter EJ Obiena; gymnasts Carlos Yulo, Aleah Finnegan, Levi Ruivivar and Emma Malabuyo; boxers Aira Villegas, Nesthy Petecio, Hergie Bacyadan, Eumir Marcial and Carlo Paalam; rower Joanie Delgaco; weightlifters Vanessa Sarno, John Ceniza and Elreen Ando; and fencer Samantha Catantan. (Leonel Abasola/PNA)
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