MANILA, Philippines- Pinangunahan ni Pangulong Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. ang send-off ceremony para sa mga atletang Filipino na papuntang 2024 Paris Olympics and Paralympics, araw ng Biyernes sa Ayuntamiento sa Intramuros, Lungsod ng Maynila.
Idinaos ang event bilang pagdiriwang sa ika-100 anibersaryo ng Olympic participation ng Pilipinas.
Sa naging talumpati ng Pangulo, pinaalalahanan niya ang mga atleta para sa kanilang magiging papel na makapagbibigay inspirasyon sa bansa.
“To our athletes: You carry our hopes and dreams to Paris, you also carry with you the banner of our nation that believes in you, stands proudly beside you, and celebrates your every triumph, and is with you through any obstacle,” ayon kay Pangulong Marcos.
“Whether in the boxing ring, on gymnastics floor, sculling in rowing, or in any area that you compete in, you exemplify the very best of what it means to be a Filipino — we are competitive, courageous, and determined. But we do it with a smile on our face. As you step onto the global stage, hold our Flag high and show the world what a Filipino is made of. We believe in you. We are proud of you. And we will be with you every step of this remarkable journey,” dagdag niya.
Tinukoy naman ng Chief Executive ang pagsisikap ng administrasyon na i-develop ang sports gaya ng rehabilitasyon sa pasilidad sa Rizal Memorial Sports Complex, PhilSports Complex, at pagtatayo ng National Academy of Sports System sa Tarlac at Philippine Sports Training Center sa Bataan.
Inatasan din ng Pangulo ang Office of the Executive Secretary na ipalabas sa Philippine Sports Commission ang anumang pondong kakailanganin para sa magiging partisipasyon ng mga atleta sa Summer Games.
“I direct the Office of the Executive Secretary to release to the Philippine Sports Commission any funds to help support the preparation and participation of our athletes in these upcoming Olympics. All of these demonstrate this commitment that we have to the advancement of Filipino athletes by equipping them with the tools and encouragement to realize their full potential,” lahad ng Pangulo.
Ilan sa Paris-bound Olympians na dumalo sa seremonya ay sina flag bearers Carlo Paalam at Nesthy Petecio, kapwa boxers na sina Hergie Bacyadan at Aira Villegas, gymnast Carlos Yulo, rower Joanie Delgaco, at weightlifters Elreen Ando, Vanessa Sarno, at John Ceniza.
Samantala, may ilang atleta naman ang umalis na ngayong umaga, araw ng Sabado, Hunyo 22 para simulan ang kanilang training camp sa France.
Sa ngayon, may 15 atleta ang opisyal na kwalipikado mula sa Pilipinas. Kris Jose
