President Rodrigo Duterte was a voice of insipiration to the national athletes who are in a noble mission of bringing a gold medal from the Rio De Janeiro Olympics.
Speaking in a courtesy call, Duterte let out a specific instruction for the Filipino athletes a week before they fly to Rio De Janeiro in time for the Aug. 5-21 Summer Games.
"Just try your best. Not everybody is given the chance to serve his country," Duterte told six of the 12 Rio-bound athletes who attended the courtesy call with their coaches and top officials of the Philippine Olympic Committee and the Philippine Sports Commission.
In the attendance were golfer Miguel Tabuena, Ian Lariba of table tennis, taekwondo jin Kirstie Elaine Alora, lifter Nestor Colonia and three-time Olympians Marestella Torres-Sunang (long jump) and Hidilyn Diaz (weightlifting), who wore flaming red Olympic jackets.
Athletes who didn't make the courtesy call were boxers Rogen Ladon and Charly Suarez, hurdler Eric Cray, swimmers Jasmine Alkhaldi and Jessie Khing Lacuna and lady marathoner Mary Joy Tabal.
Duterte acknowledged the lack of financial support athletes are getting from the government and says solving the problem on uncollected taxes could provide sports a financial boost.
"We’re losing P300 million a day because of these uncollected taxes," said Duterte. "If only I could give one or two days of collection, the problem on funding our athletes will be solved."
Duterte plans on giving cash incentives to athletes that are sure to boost their morale.
"I’ll give you an island," Duterte jokingly said.
"On behalf of the POC and the athletes, his (Duterte) inspiration may just be what we need to win medals in the Olympics. Our heartfelt gratitude to President Duterte," said PSC president Jose Cojuangco Jr.
Since boxer Mansueto Velasco got a silver medal from the 1996 Atlanta Games, the Philippines hasn’t brought home a medal from the greatest sports gathering in the world.
Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer
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