Olympic-bound athletes assured with cash incentives

FILIPINO athletes competing in the Paris Olympics do not need to bring a medal home because they will get cash incentives from the government and other private individuals for qualifying. 

Richard Bachmann, Chairman of the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), announced this at the Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum (PSA) on Tuesday at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.

“Twenty-three million is only from Senator Risa Hontiveros then Senator Bong Go has a figure already. May additional siya,” said Bachmann, as reported by ABS-CBN News.

“There’s also additional from other senators direct to the athletes already na pinasa lang sa PSC and I just signed a cheque siguro mga P30 plus millions.” 

With almost a month left before the Olympics, 15 Filipino athletes have already qualified to go to Paris. Headed by pole vaulter EJ Obiena; gymnasts Carlos Yulo, Aleah Finnegan, Levi Ruivivar, and Emma Malabuyo. 

Boxers Aira Villegas, Nesthy Petecio, Hergie Bacyadan, Eumir Marcial and Carlo Paalam. Rower Joanie Delgaco, weightlifters Vanessa Sarno, John Ceniza, and Elreen Ando, and fencer Sam Catantan.

The Philippine Olympic Committee’s president, Abraham Tan, is still anticipating at least four more athletes. They will have until the end of the month to qualify, potentially boosting the country’s medal race. 

The PSC has allocated P52 million for the Paris Olympics, which includes preparations, training, and actual participation. The expenses include airfare, luggage, and parade clothes.

Photo Courtesy: Philippine Sports Commission | Facebook

“We’ve already spent P43 million so I have P8 to P9 million left. Kung kulang man I will look,” said Bachmann, who also shared some of the plans of the PSC for the rest of the year.

Furthermore, the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex will house a seven-story athletes’ dormitories. The project will begin in August and will be completed in two years. 

Over the years, the PSC has played a critical role in providing financial aid to athletes. This includes monthly allowances, training stipends, and financial support for international tournaments. 

Elite athletes, for example, are given significant financial assistance to cover training, equipment, and travel expenditures. 

Furthermore, the government works with private corporations to get sponsorships, giving players a more stable financial base. This is a great method to not only express their support, but also to recognize these athletes’ hard work.