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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Villanueva pays tribute to Pinoy athletes in Tokyo Olympics

Villanueva pays tribute to Pinoy athletes in Tokyo Olympics

Published Aug 9, 2021 10:51 am

Senator Joel Villanueva has praised and thanked Filipino athletes for their performance in the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, Japan.

Hidilyn Diaz salutes during the Philippine national anthem after winning the gold medal in the Tokyo Olympics women's 55-kg weightlifting competition. (AFP/Vincenzo Pinto)

A sports enthusiast himself, Villanueva said the 19-strong Philippine olympic team not only gave the country honor and medals, but also "joy and hope" amid the challenges brought about by the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.

"Our 'Fighting 19' gave us joy and hope – at a time when our locked-down nation needed them most. The medal board was a welcome distraction from our COVID-19 tally," the senator said in a statement as the Tokyo Olympics came to a close on Sunday, August 8.

"There are lessons from their triumphs, which are as true in sports as in any endeavor: There is no substitute for dedication and discipline; that failures are stepping stones to victories," he added.

"While innate talent leads to podium finish, it cannot however be done without institutional support. Athletes are born, but the great ones are those who have been supported," he also noted.

Villanueva, however, underscored the importance of investing in sports.

"If we want to reap more medals in the future, our government must invest in sports. Such cannot be left to individual exceptionalism or private generosity alone," he said.

"The Philippine team will sadly arrive in a homeland where streets are deserted and businesses shut down by a virus that is getting harder and harder to vanquish," Villanueva said.

He said the Olympic medals that the athletes bagged should prompt the government to ramp up it efforts against the COVID-19, "or at least keep our people safe from harm".

The Philippines ended its campaign in the Tokyo Olympics with the biggest medal in the history of the Games, winning its first gold medal (Hidilyn Diaz), two silvers (Nesthy Petecio and Carlo Paalam) and a bronze (Eumir Marcial).

The country also emerged as the top performing Southeast Asiam country in the olympics.

"Ang inyong pinagsamang lakas at aksyon sa mga nilahukang kompetisyon ay paalala po sa ating lahat kung gaano kasarap maging Pilipino. Maraming salamat po sa natatanging karangalan na ito (Your strength and performances in your respective competitions will remind everyone how gratifying it is to be a Filipino. Thank you for the honor)," Villanueva told the athletes.

Related Tags

Hidilyn Diaz joel villanueva Eumir Marcial Tokyo Olympics Carlo Paalam Nesthy Petecio
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