The Filipinos made heads turn by bagging five gold and two silver medals in the weeklong competition, establishing a new world record in the 1000m small boat category (4:57.13).
The other golds came in the 500m mixed event, 500m men’s small boat, 200m premiere mixed and 1000m men’s category, and the silvers in the men’s premier 200m and All Comers 200m small boat.
But the biggest news on their participation came days after they won the medals. Due to the absence of government support, the Pinoy paddlers were branded as heroes.
They went to Florida through the sponsorship of Cobra Energy Drink and Philippine Airlines, and made it through with the generosity of the Filipino community in Tampa Bay.
An audience with President Aquino topped their itinerary once they returned home. Members of the Senate also hailed the members of the dragon boat team.
As victims of politics in sports, the team did not get the support they deserved from the Philippine Olympic Committee and the Philippine Sports Commission, the government agency.
“It is unfortunate that we continuously hear about Filipino athletes performing superbly and displaying excellence despite the lack of government support,” said Senate Resolution 547.
“Our athletes are giving our nation honor and recognition. It is about time the government’s concerned agencies give their complete and unqualified support to our athletes.”
source by Philippine Star
0 comments:
Post a Comment