THE local sports community has come to the aid of triathlete and 30th Southeast Asian Games silver medalist Andrew Kim Remolino, whose family house was gutted in a fire that also razed 14 other dwellings in Barangay Cansojong, Talisay City, Cebu last Sunday.
According to Cebu news reports, Remolino’s family were among 30 families who were displaced by the fire that began at 1:40 p.m. Fire fighters estimated that P3.6 million in property went up in smoke.
Remolino was able to salvage his badly-charred silver medal he won last December when he placed second behind national teammate John Chicano in the men’s triathlon event of the SEA Games at the Baywalk of the Subic Freeport in Olongapo, Zambales.
“I and the rest of the board will meet so that we can give Remolino immediate assistance,” said Philippine Sports Commission officer-in-charge Ramon Fernandez, who lives in neighboring Cebu City, after learning of Remolino’s fate.
Philippine Olympic Committee president Bambol Tolentino said the POC would chip in P50,000 plus an additional P50,000 out of his own pocket to help Remolino’s family.
“We pray that Remolino and his family will be able to recover from this tragedy,” Tolentino said.
Triathlon Association of the Philippines president Tom Carrasco said they would also pass the hat in the triathlete group to extend aid to the Remolino.
As one of Go for Gold’s sponsored athletes, Remolino will also get aid from the organization, according to Go for Gold head Jeremy Go, adding they would also hold an online auction of sports memorabilia to raise more funds for the triathlete.
