Philippine Sports Commission chairman Richard “Dickie” Bachmann is seeking more financial support from the private sector to help out in funding the athletes vying for slots in the Paris Olympics.
In a radio interview yesterday, Bachmann said that he spoke with his former Alaska boss Steven Uytengsu to form a collective fund from private backers to tap for other national sports associations to use.
He also said he wants a program where private backers can fund any national sports federation they want to support similar to the Gintong Alay program back in the 1980s.
“I talked with Mr. Uytengsu to help me in the private sector to put in a fund and keep it with these private companies so I can tap to support other sports that don’t have much funding,” Bachmann said.
“I think there was a program from the private sector to adopt a sport. I would want to bring that back.”
So far, four athletes have already booked their slots for the Paris Olympics: EJ Obiena of pole vault, Eumir Marcial of boxing and gymnasts Carlos Yulo and Aleah Finnegan with more athletes expected to grow that number.
Bachmann said he will do what is needed to help out the athletes in their campaign in the Summer Games.
“Qualifying for the Olympics is hard and a blessing already. Getting a medal is the icing on the cake. All I want to do is support the athletes and give them the funding to accomplish these medals,” Bachmann said.
