President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. grants a photo opportunity with officials and Philippine Olympians and Philippine Paralympians as they were sent off for Paris Olympics. –HANDOUT PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines—The Filipino athletes competing in the 2024 Paris Olympics are ready and equipped to compete on the world’s biggest sporting stage.
Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Chairman Richard Bachmann said multiple sponsors are funding the Paris-bound athletes, boosting their preparations for the quadrennial sporting event.
“The POC (Philippine Olympic Committee) has been getting a lot of sponsors, as well as the PSC and I’m sure all the athletes are happy that all these sponsors and help have been coming in,” Bachmann told Inquirer Sports.
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“A lot of private companies, senators and other government agencies have full support for the athletes.”
Joining the send-off ceremony was none other than President Ferdinand Marcos, who gave words of encouragement to the Filipino athletes.
In Marcos’ speech, he said he is immensely proud of the Filipino spirit and athletes as they will represent the flag in France in late July.
“My heart swells with pride and optimism. I see before me, men and women who have sacrificed countless late nights in pursuit of perfection,” said Marcos.
The President also said that the government has been heavily investing in Filipino athletes this year alone en route to the Summer Games.
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“We have invested in those dreams and are trying to support the sports movement here in the Philippines. This year. over 1.1 billion has been invested in sports through the PSC in funding athletes,” added Marcos.
Marcos’ appearance in front of the Paris Olympians, according to Bachmann, was huge as they try bring the country to the global stage.
“It’s very huge when the president came over and supported the athletes. It’s very huge,” Bachman said.
Bachmann also revealed that the government will increase the sporting field’s budget next year without disclosing an exact amount.
“I can’t say much now but we’ll be all smiles next year because we’ll have a bigger budget. I can’t tell you the amount but I’m glad we’ll have a bigger budget.”
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Most of the Filipino athletes will be flying to Paris on Saturday in preparation for the Olympics.