Atin Ito First Filipino Community Newspaper in Ontario
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 this coming July to September.
In a statement, 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 seeking for more financial support, the senator emphasized the rigorous journey that our athletes and para-athletes had to undertake to earn their place in the prestigious 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 has been at the forefront of advocating for Filipino athletes’ welfare, consistently providing assistance to numerous student-athletes and national athletes, and championed key legislation.
She continues to promote the growth of sports in the country through her advocacy arm, Pinay In Action (PIA), which has been conducting numerous sports clinics and tournaments for almost two decades now.
Meanwhile, Cayetano offered encouragement to the Paris-bound athletes and urged the Filipino people to give their full support.
“We are proud of you. One athlete can change the lives of so many young people,” she said.
“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).”
Among those 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.
Five Filipino athletes qualified for the Paralympics – swimmers Ernie Galiwan and Angel Otom; archer Agustina Bantiloc; thrower Cendy Asusano; and wheelchair racer Jerrold Mangliwan.
— Leonel Abasola (PNA)
*****
Credit belongs to: www.pna.gov.ph
