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Marcos Jr sends off Filipino athletes competing in 2024 Paris Olympics

Article (news)

Joyce Balancio

ABS-CBN News

MANILA— President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Friday led the send-off ceremony for the 15 Filipino athletes who will compete at the 2024 Paris Olympics.In his speech, Marcos highlighted  his government’s support to the dreams and aspirations of Filipino athletes.<div><ivs-player data-ivs-key="e8c22c015ca9eafa76f1e3edfa03c603" data-ivs-spid="3001339" data-ivs-vid="3058434"></ivs-player></div><script src="https://player.ivideosmart.com/ivsplayer/v4/dist/js/loader.js"></script>For the Paris Olympics, the administration has allotted P52 million for the preparation, training and participation of Filipino athletes.Just this year alone, the government has also spent P1.156 billion in sports, through the Philippine Sports Commission to develop facilities for athletes.“We continue to rehabilitate our major sports facilities, such as the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex [and] the PhilSports Complex, to give our youth a fitting stage to improve and to showcase their talents,” Marcos said.“Presently, we are finishing the National Academy of Sports System in Tarlac and the Philippine Sports Training Center in Bataan to train, to hone, and to develop present and aspiring athletes for future competitions,” he added.On top of that, the President also directed the Office of the Executive Secretary to  release additional funds to the Philippine Sports Commission to help support the participation of Philippine athletes in the upcoming Olympics.“All of these demonstrate this commitment that we have to the advancement of Filipino athletes by equipping them with the tools and encouragement to realize their full potential,” Marcos said.He assured the Filipino Olympians that the whole country will rally behind them as they compete.“You exemplify the very best of what it means to be a Filipino — we are competitive, courageous, and determined. But we do it with a smile on our face,” he said. “As you step onto the global stage, hold our Flag high and show the world what a Filipino is made of. We believe in you. We are proud of you. And we will be with you every step of this remarkable journey,” he added.Most of the Filipino athletes will depart for Metz, France on June 22 to undergo a one-month pre-Olympics training.Philippine Olympic Committee president Bambol Tolentino said the training camp aims to familiarize the athletes with the weather in Paris, as well food, among other things.“This is the first time we have a training camp na sama sama. We are just setting a template, para alam mo na agad ang alignment, alam mo na ang pagkain lahat iyan. So prepared na prepared ang mga atleta,” he said.The Filipino athletes said they have prepared themselves for the tough competition at the Olympics.“Pinakikinggan ko ang sarili ko, pinapakiramdaman ko. Sobrang thankful ako sa binibigay POC, PSC, andyan lahat, sa mental health ko sa physical ko, pinoprovide po nila iyon. Mas nag-focus ako ngayon sa sarili ko, mas pinakikinggan ko iyong sarili ko para makapag-perform ako ng maayos,” Tokyo Olympics medalist Nesthy Petecio told reporters.“So bukas na po ang flight ko papuntang Paris, doon ako mas maghahanda para sa paparating na competition.Sa ngayon excited po ako kasi makakatapat ko iyong mga malalakas kong kalaban so mas nagiging excited,” Rower Joanie Delgaco for her part said.“Nakafocus po ako sa injury prevention, pagtaas po ng endurance ko kasi nawala rin sa hulog ang katawan ko after ng competition,” gymnast Carlo Yulo said.<div>SINAG BARONG</div>The Filipino olympians also praised the “Sinag” Barong design by esteemed Filipino fashion designer Francis Libiran which will be worn by the Philippine team during the opening ceremony on July 26.The name &#x27;SINAG&#x27; translates to ‘Rays of the Sun,&#x27; which symbolizes hope and optimism and embodies the spirit and pride of the Filipino people.It has drawn inspiration from the vibrant colors of the Philippine flag and incorporated  Pintados-inspired warrior patterns and the French tricolore into the strap.“Maganda po iyong design po. At Pilipinong pilipino po talaga,” boxer Aira Villages said.“Nasukat ko na siya kahapon. Sobrang honored po ako na siempre idol ng lahat si Sir Francis Nakakaproud. Nakakaproud maging isang Pilipino,” Petecio said.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Friday led the send-off ceremony for the 15 Filipino athletes who will compete at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Friday led the send-off ceremony for the 15 Filipino athletes who will compete at the 2024 Paris Olympics.