THE Philippine Olympic Committee yesterday urged the Philippine Sports Commission to release cash incentives to national team members who won a historic gold medal at the Ninth Asian Winter Games in Harbin more than 10 weeks ago.
“Where are the incentives?” Tolentino said. “This delay is hurting the momentum of our historic gold medal in curling in Harbin, with strong consideration that the victory—a first by the country and any Southeast Asian nation in any winter sports—is our springboard to a potential gold in next year’s Winter Olympics.”
Marc Pfister, Enrico Pfister, Alan Frei, Christian Haller and Benjo Delarmente shocked the world when they beat South Korea 5-3 in the men’s curling gold medal play last February 14 in the Asian Winter Games.
There was no immediate response from the PSC yesterday.
“That was the best-ever achievement by our country in a winter sports competition,” Tolentino said. “So let’s give what’s due to this team because before their historic success in Harbin, they’ve been competing under the Philippine flag at their own expense and without any support from our government.”
The POC was quick to the draw in rewarding the athletes with a cash bonus of $5,000 each when they flew into the country to present their medals four days after their victory in the Asian Winter Games.
Under Republic Act 10699—an Act Expanding the Coverage of Incentives Granted to National Athletes and Coaches—the team is entitled to a P2-million incentive, with the coaches receiving bonuses equivalent to 20 percent of the athletes’ reward.
“I’m hoping they release incentives soon and avoid any delays because this may affect the team’s preparations on their campaign to qualify for the Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina next year.”
Tolentino said the team is bound for two qualifying tournaments later this year, and the incentives would definitely boost their morale.
