Philippine Rowing Association President Patrick Gregorio said plans are underway to put up a regional training hub to strengthen their grassroots program.
Prior to Cris Nievarez’s qualification to the Tokyo Olympics, Gregorio said it has been their goal to launch this program to solidify the sport and make it more accessible to aspiring rowers.
The association already eyed Maragondon River in Ternate, Cavite as an ideal venue for upcoming rowers.
Add the fact that former national athlete Benjie Tolentino, who competed at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, lives in Tanza, Cavite – just a town away from Ternate.
“I’ve been talking to officials in Cavite. Magpapatulong tayong magpatayo diyan training center for our grassroots development,” said Gregorio during the Philippine Sportswriters Association Online Forum on Tuesday, May 11.
Gregorio hopes that more people will get inspired to try the sport following Nievarez’s recent feat.
“Before, I didn't know anything about rowing. But as I learned about it, I saw the potential of the sport. And with Cris (Nievarez) qualifying to the Olympics, it gives inspiration to athletes and aspiring ones na kaya pala natin,” he said.
For now, Gregorio said they are focusing the next two months to train Nievarez for the Games set July 23 to Aug. 8, before shifting their goal of improving their three-gold-medal haul at the 31st Southeast Asian Games in Vietnam.
Though SEAG events haven’t been finalized, Gregorio said the athletes would still continue with their training at the La Mesa Dam in Quezon City as also part of their long-term preparations for the 2022 Asian Games in China.