THE FOUR Filipina Olympians who missed out on the Heroes’ Welcome last week were finally accorded a well-deserved welcome at Malacañang Palace on Thursday.
Photo Courtesy: Presidential Communications Office | Facebook
Golfer Dottie Ardina, and the historic trio of gymnasts Levi Jung-Ruivivar, Aleah Finnegan and Emma Malabuyo, were recognized by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. after they were unable to join the first welcome for the 2024 Paris Olympians.
The Office of the President organized a visit to Malacañang for the four athletes who participated in the world’s largest quadrennial athletic event. The visit included recognition and incentives similar to what was accorded to other Filipino Olympians.
Well-deserved
The Filipina gymnasts revealed a few days ago that they were unable to join the homecoming due to a misunderstanding that only the medalists were invited.
President Marcos Jr. insisted on holding another round of celebrations, given that all the Filipino athletes worked hard to prepare, qualify, and perform their best during the Summer Games.
“Baka nagtataka kayo meron kaming extra event after dumating na ‘yung ibang mga Olympian,” said Marcos Jr.
“Noong nagpa-reception kami dito, wala sila dito, nagbibiyahe, at nagka-mix up, huli na ‘yung pagkasabi sa kanila, hindi na sila nakauwi. Kaya’t sabi namin, pareho naman ‘yung kanilang pinaghirapan, so dapat andun din sila.”
“Sayang lang hindi nila naabutan ‘yung parada, pero at least everything else ay nagawa nila. So, we’re happy we were able to do something extra for those that did not make it to the first one,” he added.
Photo Courtesy: Presidential Communications Office | Facebook
Ardina, Finnegan, Malabuyo, Ruivivar, and golfer Bianca Pagdanganan missed the Malacañang’s Heroes’ Welcome and Victory Parade for two-time Olympic medalist Carlos Yulo, bronze medalists Nesthy Petecio and Aira Villegas, and other Olympians.
As promised, the four Olympians received a Presidential Citation, P1 million from the President’s Office, and another P1 million from the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR).
Round of applause
Despite the fact that the trio of gymnasts were “not invited,” and Ardina’s uniform issue occurred while the Paris Games were in progress, these four competitors were recognized for their gallant stand.
Ruivivar finished 40th at the Paris Olympics, one place lower than Malabuyo, who finished 41st, while Finnegan finished 47th. Meanwhile, Ardina concluded the golf tournament in 13th position.
Pagdanganan, who ended just short of a podium finish in joint fourth place, is the only Olympian who has yet to meet the President. Nevertheless, she will receive the same recognition and incentives.
