Cavite Governor Jonvic Remulla, the team manager of the University of the Philippines basketball team, will do good in his new role as chief of mission for the 2024 Paris Olympics.
This is the belief of Mariano “Nonong” Araneta, who held the same position in the rescheduled Tokyo Olympics in 2021.
“Governor Remulla is a good CDM because he is also involved in sports and he knows how to handle people,” Araneta said.
“That’s what’s important, knowing how to handle people and handle athletes,” added Araneta, who heads the Philippine Football Federation.
The Paris Olympics will mark the Philippines’ 100th year of participation in the Olympic Games, something that should make Remulla’s task extra-special.
Remulla’s involvement in the Fighting Maroons cage squad resulted to a championship for the first time after 36 years.
Araneta has one piece of advice to Remulla, who was appointed by no less than Philippine Olympic Committee president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino, also a Caviteño like him.
“From Hidilyn (Diaz) to our boxers, we supported their preparations. What we did was we presented the budget to the PSC (Philippine Sports Commission) and it was approved. That’s what Governor Remulla has to look out for: The needs of the teams that will ask for the assistance to qualify for the Paris Olympics.”
The Paris hopefuls have a tough act to follow.
In Tokyo, the Philippines won its first gold courtesy of Diaz’s weightlifting gold, the boxing silvers of Carlo Paalam and Nesthy Petecio and the boxing bronze of Eumir Marcial.
Things were different in Tokyo as competitions were held under the cloud of uncertainty owing to Covid-19.
“Back in Tokyo, you have to be tested and it was always on your mind that if you will be positive or not. But now, they can concentrate on their preparations and that’s good now,” Araneta said.
Given his solid sporting background and exemplary public service, don’t be surprised if Paris winds up surpassing the Tokyo surprise.
