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Manila Bulletin devider Opinion devider Philippine Olympic team

Philippine Olympic team

Published Jun 26, 2024 09:10 pm

‘TOL VIEWS

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Only four weeks to go till the much awaited 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, France.  Our Philippine team has already flown to the training camp in Metz last week for the final preparations for the games set to begin on July 26. Hopes are high that our 2024 Olympians will surpass the Tokyo Olympics record, create history in international sports and raise the Philippine flag even higher in the Paris Olympics.

I was fortunate to have taken part in the send-off ceremonies for our athletes last June 21 with no less than President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Philippine Olympic Committee President Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino and other key personalities in Philippine sports.  Those who flew early to France to prepare for the quadrennial games included Nesthy Petecio, Aira Villegas, Hergie Bacyadan and Carlo Paalam for boxing; Vanessa Sarno, John Febuar Ceniza and Elreen Ann Ando competing for weightlifting, and Joanie Delgaco for rowing.  Also set to travel earlier to Paris are gymnast Carlos Yulo, boxer Eumir Marcial, and pole vaulter EJ Obiena, among others, who are on the finishing leg of their training in other countries.  Fingers crossed, and with much prayer, there will still be other Filipino athletes who will make it to Paris as international federations have yet to release their final Olympic qualifiers list.

The Philippines’ medal tally since it started competing in the Olympic games is currently at 14 – eight bronze, five silver and one historic gold in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.  With more Filipino athletes competing in Paris this year, the chances of adding to this medal tally is at an all-time high.  With increased support and funding for critical aspects of sports development – training program, facilities, incentives – Philippine sports can look forward to not just more Olympic appearances, but more and more Olympic triumphs for the Philippines in the years ahead.

As our whole Philippine Team prepares to compete for God and nation, as they offer their strength and talents to pin the Philippine flag in the map of international sports, may we also offer valuable support and prayers that they may remain healthy and safe in foreign lands, that they may be clothed in humility, dignity, patriotism and honor, that they may remain beacons of hope, pride and inspiration for the younger generation of Filipinos aspiring to likewise be the joy and pride of Philippine sports. 

 

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TOL VIEWS Senator Francis N. Tolentino
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