THE government has approved the inoculation of all athletes other than those bound for the Hanoi Southeast Asian Games, according to Philippine Olympic Committee President Rep. Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino.
“This is another great news for our national athletes and for all of Philippine sports,” Tolentino said yesterday, three days after SEA Games-bound athletes received their first dose of the Sinovax vaccine at the Prince Hotel in Manila.
More than half of the 730 SEA Games-bound athletes who registered for the vaccination got their first dose. Most of those who didn’t get their vaccines were either in the provinces or abroad.
“This next round of vaccinations will also include those athletes and coaches who missed last Friday’s vaccination,” Tolentino said.
Vince Dizon, deputy chief implementer of the national task force against the deadly virus, relayed the good news to Tolentino yesterday.
“We thank the government for putting priority on our athletes and coaches for the vaccine rollout,” Tolentino said.
There are close to 1,600 athletes and coaches in the national team and pool on the Philippine Sports Commission roster. The list includes the SEA Games-bound athletes and para athletes.
“And this–the absolute vaccination of all national athletes–whether or not they are going to Hanoi–is a relief for Philippine sports,” Tolentino said, adding the date and venue of the next round of vaccination will be announced soon.
Members of the national men’s basketball team thanked Tolentino and the government for giving them “peace of mind” to train and compete in two upcoming International Basketball Federation competitions.
“We already have peace of mind and protection finally from the virus after this vaccination,” coach Jong Uichico said. “We are really thankful to the POC especially to Congressman Tolentino and to the national government for providing the national athletes the vaccine.
“We can now train confidently. First of all, we will be going to Clark bubble next month (June). So it’s good that we have the immunity going there,” said Uichico.
