Fresh from placing in the top 3 of their recent international competition, the Go for Gold Continental Team of cyclists is now ready to face the challenge that is the Southeast Asian Games.

Every eye will soon be turned towards the 31st Southeast Asia Games happening in Vietnam. Year after year, athletes in all participating nations train rigorously with one goal in mind: to win the gold.

The journey to achieve this is not an easy one, especially because of the pandemic. Ednalyn Hualda, head coach of PhilCycling, admits that the restrictions wee indeed a huge roadblock in their training.

“We didn’t have enough exposure because of the pandemic,” Hualda reveals. “Many races were cancelled or postponed. Most of the places were not accessible or restricted due to COVID guidelines.”

For athletes, training is key, and such a setback would have been detrimental to our nation’s athletes.

“Gold does not happen overnight,” states Hualda.

Enter Go for Gold, the sports program of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office’s ScratchIt. Established in 2017, this program is dedicated to give much-needed support to Filipino athletes even before the pandemic.

Led by Mr. Jeremy Go, the Go for Gold Team made plans to ensure that the athletes would be able to continue their training.

“We made sure that all of our athletes are motivated and well-trained for the upcoming SEA Games,” shares Hualda. “We conducted different training camps.”

The team also looked for races that the athletes could compete in to stay in top form.

“We entered them in various local and international races to ensure that the athletes under Go For Gold Philippines are well-prepared and more than capable enough to compete against other countries,” she adds.

“We know that exposure is the best training we can give to our athletes wherein they are able to gain their competitiveness and confidence,” explains Hualdo. “And of course, it’s the only way for us to validate if the program is working or if there are still things we need to improve.”

There was no slacking off for the athletes under Hualdo’s watchful eye. “As a coach, it is my responsibility and duty to motivate and push each and every athlete under the Philippine National Cycling team,” she states.

Just last April 1-6, several members of the Philippine National Cycling Team were able to race against the top-level riders of Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, and other European countries and were able to win third place in the ASEAN category.

Aidan James Mendoza, Dominic Perez, and Marc Rayn Lago are just a few of the cyclists who are part of the Go for Gold Continental Team.

Aidan is thankful for the people who believe in him and thinks of them as his greatest motivation to finish the race. “My greatest motivation is all the people who believe in me and who always support me,” he says. “My expectations for the upcoming SEA games is to prosper and finish the game well.”

For him, getting that gold medal is a symbol of all the hard work that he has put into his career. “Every medal shows the hardwork and sacrifices made to achieve it,” he explains. “It is the one that motivates you more to continue and to improve your game even more.”

Marc echoes the same sentiments. “Ang medalya na aking makakamit ay simbolo na nagbunga ang paghihirap ko bawat ensayo,” he states.

Because of the battery of training they have undergone, Dominic is confident that he is in top shape to compete.

“I 100% prepared my body for these games,” Dominic declares.

Aidan, Dominic, and Marc only have gratitude to PCSO’s Go for Gold program. Truly, the team behind it has the Filipino athlete’s well-being in mind and serves to help make their dreams a reality.

“My Team Go for Gold is very super supportive of my needs and I'm very thankful for my team,” says Marc.

Indeed, the team worked tirelessly despite the many obstacles to ensure that the Filipino athletes are given the opportunities and support needed for them to reach their goals for themselves and for the Philippines.

“Go for Gold has a big help in achieving my goals,” says Aidan. “And I am thankful to be part of the team because they help me improve my skills and abilities in cycling.”

Marc is thankful for the push that the team gives him. “Nagpapaslaamat ako sa Team Go for Gold dahil sa walang sawang pagpupursige sa amin na magensayo. Lagi silang nandiyan sa likod ko para gabayan at turuan ako para lalo pang mag-improve sa laro,” he says.

Hualdo is confident that the cyclists in the Go for Gold Continental Team is primed to compete in the SEA Games and beyond. She credits the Go for Gold program for making this possible.

“Go For Gold has given a big impact in achieving the goals that I have set for each and every athlete. Go For Gold caters to all the needs of our athletes,” says Hualdo. “With the support of the program, the dreams of every hopeful Filipino athletes is now possible and within the reach of their hand.”

Be part of our athletes’ journey to the finish line! Head over to any PCSO lotto outlet and purchase Go for Gold tickets. For just Php 20, you can already help support our athletes, plus get a chance to win Php 200,000 for yourself!