THE Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) expressed its gratitude to the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) for giving the green light for the release of the P3.3 million that will be used for the country’s campaign in the Beijing Winter Olympics.
POC president Rep. Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino also thanked Asics for continuing to be Team Philippines official outfitter for both the Summer and Winter Olympics.
Filipino-American alpine skier Asa Miller is the country’s lone representative to the Beijing Games on Feb. 4-20. But the Beijing organizers require a minimum six-member delegation that will accompany Miller who will compete in men’s slalom and giant slalom.
“The POC expresses its gratitude to PSC and Asics for their valuable support to our participation in the Winter Olympics,” Tolentino said.
Accompanying Miller are Chef de Mission Bones Floro, Philippine Ski and Snowboard Federation president Jim Palomar Apelar, Covid-19 liaison officer Nikki Cheng, athlete and administrative officer Dave Carter, athlete welfare officer Jobert Yu and Asa’s coach Will Gregorak.
“We are very grateful for the generous support of the POC and PSC in spite of this very difficult time,” Floro said. “It is our hope that our continuous participation in sporting events brings some hope and national pride to our countrymen.”
Floro will be flying to Beijing on Jan. 27 while the rest of the delegation will follow on Jan. 28. They are expected to be back on Feb. 18.
The slalom races are set from Feb. 13 to 16 at the Xiaohaituo Alpine Skiing Field in Yanqing, China.