FILIPINO athletes vying in the Paris Olympics got a big shot in the arm in the form of juicy cash incentives to be handed out before the Games begin.
Philippine Sports Commission chief Richard Bachmann delivered the wonderful news in yesterday’s Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.
Bachmann said Sen. Risa Hontiveros has earmarked P23 million for the athletes while five other senators have also contributed to the kitty.
Bachmann said the amount will be distributed before the Paris Games set July 26 to Aug. 9.
So far, 15 Filipino athletes have qualified for Paris, with Philippine Olympic Committee president Abraham Tolentino expecting around four more to join the campaign.
In the 2021 Tokyo Games, the Philippines brought home a gold medal, its first in the Olympics, courtesy of weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz, and two silvers and a bronze through boxers Carlo Paalam, Nesthy Petecio and Eumir Marcial.
“We have until June 30 to see sino pa ang mag-qualify,” said Bahmann.
The PSC has allotted P52 million for the Paris Olympics, including the preparations, training, actual participation, airfare, luggage and parade uniforms.
“We’ve already spent P43 million, so I have P8 to P9 million left. Kung kulang man, I will look,” said Bachmann.
Having booked tickets to the Paris Games are pole-vaulter EJ Obiena, gymnasts Carlos Yulo, boxers Aira Villegas, Nesthy Petecio, Hergie Bacyadan, Marcial and Paalam, gymnasts Aleah Finnegan, Levi Ruivivar and Emma Malabuyo, rower Joanie Delgaco, weightlifters Vanessa Sarno, John Ceniza, and Elreen Ando, and fencer Sam Catantan.
