Senator and boxing legend Manny Pacquiao has announced that he will award P5 million to Filipino athletes who can bring home an Olympic gold medal.
The Philippines is the second most populous country that has never won an Olympic gold.
"Sabi ko sa kanila, magdala kayo ng gold medal at bawat isang gold medal, may five million," the senator said.
He said a grassroots program would lead to the discovery of young athletes, who could be trained and sent out to join international competitions.
Pacquiao is busy working on two proposals as the chairman of the Committee on Sports.
The first proposal is seeking more budget for the Philippine Sports Commission while the second is proposing the creation of a Department of Sports to take care of local athlete's welfare and to help them in grassroots level.
Although being a senator is his priority, the boxing icon said he still wants to return to the boxing ring.
"Boxing is my passion. Hindi maiaalis yung love mo sa boxing, diyan ako lumaki," he said.
After defeating Timothy Bradley, Pacquiao announced his retirement from boxing last April, but Pacquiao will reportedly fight again againts Jesse vargas, American World Boxing Organization welterweight champion.
Pacquiao is waiting for his promoter, Bob Arum, who will arrive in the country on Tuesday, to finalize details of his upcoming match.
Photo / Source: CNN Philippines
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