Friday, November 15, 2002
Davao tennis champ enjoys P350T yearly support
By Marianne L. Saberon
DAVAO City's Palarong Pambansa gold medallist Ralph Kevin Barte recently made it to the elite Future Tennis Foundation of the Philippines (FTFP), for being the country's No.1 netter in the boys 14-under division.
The former Rizal Memorial Colleges (RMC) standout Barte, according to Philippine Tennis Association (Philta) regional vice-president Juanito Cansino Jr., is in Brunei Darussalam competing in his first ITF juniors tournament.
"I'm happy for Barte. I'm proud to say that I have contributed to his success, making him a champion. He has an inborn talent. I hope I can produce another Barte," Cansino told Sun.Star Davao in a phone interview.
Cansino said being an FTFP mainstay, Barte enjoys the privilege of receiving an annual support of P350,000 inclusive of training, food, international and local travel, tournament fees, among others.
He also gets a monthly stipend of P6,000 from MC Balce Surveying Co. as endorser. He is co-sponsored by Prince Racket and adidas for his garments.
Barte, who also won for the city two gold medals in the 3rd Philippine National Youth Games in Bacolod City and swept all regional titles in the past year, is undergoing a home study program.
Cansino said, "He is based in Manila. He trains eight hours a day so he no longer has time to go to school like a regular student."
Barte will next see action in Malaysia starting on December 7 following the Brunei stint.
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