Philippine Sports Commission chairman Richard “Dickie” Bachmann said the kind gesture displayed by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos inspires national athletes to do well in major international tournaments.
In a radio interview, Bachmann thanked the Chief Executive for recognizing the achievements of the national athletes and spearheading their fund-raising drive to finance their training and participation in future international events.
Bachmann joined President Marcos and Philippine Olympic Committee chief Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino in handing out the cash incentives of those who emerged victorious in the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou recently. The PSC spent a total of P19.1 million while the Office of the President spent P22.8 million in the windfall given to 18 medalists, including champions like EJ Obiena, Meggie Ochoa, Annie Ramirez and Gilas Pilipinas.
On top of that, the President also encouraged the government and private sectors to rally behind the athletes by funding their training and participation in major events, including the upcoming Paris Olympics next year.
Bachmann said the athletes were definitely motivated by the President’s remark.
“This is a historic venue and for the President to organize the event and hand out the incentives is a big motivation for our athletes,” Bachmann said, adding that the athletes are also doing well in the ongoing 4th Asian Para Games in Hangzhou and the World Combat Games in Riyadh.
“I look forward to working with him in future events and we still do have athletes in the World Combat Games and the Asian Para Games.”
“I hope the support spills over to other upcoming events.”
The Filipinos currently have one gold, two silver and four bronze medals in the World Combat Games and a mint in the Asian Para Games courtesy of swimmer Ernie Gawilan.
Bachmann added that he hopes that the New Clark City will be handed over to the PSC by December so that the athletes can use it for their preparation for the Summer Games.
“I’m keeping my eye on the third reading in congress is that the New Clark City will be transferred to PSC. I am hoping that will happen so that our elite athletes will be stationed in NCC for international events,” Bachmann said.
“I’m hoping in December it will happen. I have my fingers crossed but my main focus will be our local grassroots program, which are the Batang Pinoy and the Philippine National Games in December.”
