UK grants scholarship to 14 Pinoy athletes

Hoping to help increase their chances of making it to the 2012 London Olympics, the United Kingdom (UK) has provided scholarship funds to 14 Filipino athletes. The Filipino athletes received London Scholarship Funds under the Olympic Solidarity Project of the International Olympic Committee (IOC)/ The athletes are from the fields of taekwondo, boxing, shooting, archery, wrestling, rowing, fencing, and swimming, the British Embassy in Manila said on Wednesday. “We are delighted that the London Scholarship Funds are supporting these Filipino athletes in their bid to participate in the London 2012 Games," embassy charge d’affaires Colin Crorkin said. "We share in the hopes of all Filipinos to see the Philippines win its first Olympic gold medal in London next year," he added. 2012 London Olympics Meanwhile, as the London 2012 Olympic Games approach, the UK said everything is on track and that over 3.5 million tickets have already been sold. “East London has already been transformed, featuring new green sports venues designed by some of the greatest architects and engineers in their fields," the embassy said. British Foreign Minister William Hague said the 2012 London Olympics will be the first truly “green" Games in history, featuring environment-friendly designs. “As the Philippine athletes start training for glory, I want to invite the people of the Philippines to be a part of this momentous occasion too," Hague said. Boxing Crorkin said the Amateur Boxing Association of the Philippines (ABAP) and the British Amateur Boxing Association (GB Boxers) have forged a partnership with the support of the British embassy. Crorkin said the ABAP boxing team is scheduled to train next month with GB Boxers in Sheffield, England. “We are sure this would be a boost to our efforts to participate and hopefully do well in London next year," said ABAP Executive Director Ed Picson. - VVP, GMA News