RP sports officials agree Pinoys will win medals in Beijing

MANILA, Philippines – Philippines sports officials said Friday that anyone of the 15 national athletes who will compete in the Beijing Olympics are capable of winning a medal. This was what Philippine Olympic Committee president Jose “Peping" Cojuangco Jr and Philippine Sports Commission chairman William “Butch" Ramirez said during Friday’s courtesy call and sendoff party held at Malacanang. “I have not been this pleased with the preparation of our athletes for this particular Games. Lahat ng makakaya nating ibigay sa training ng mga athletes ay ibinigay natin. I can tell you they can perform to the best of their abilities, at hindi tayo mapapahiya," said Cojuangco, who returned Friday from the US to join the two separate sendoff parties hosted by Malacanang and POC. All athletes were given adequate training and were also exposed to foreign coaches to ensure that they are in tip-top shape for the Summer Games set to open on August 8. “We spend close to P30 million for the athletes’ training and exposure and I really have this gut feel that we will win a medal this time," added Ramirez. The Philippines last won a medal in the 1996 Atlanta games with boxer Mansueto “Onyok" Velasco bringing home the country’s second silver medal in boxing. The nationals went home empty handed in the 2000 Sydney and 2004 Athens Olympics. Cojuangco is relying on the performance of boxer Harry Tanamor and taekwondo jins Tshomlee Go and Ma Antoinette Rivero aside from possible surprise performances from shooter Eric Ang and archer Mark Javier. “We really have a very, very good chance this time. We have our athletes in boxing, two in taekwondo and our shooter. If our archer will be in his peak form, he can also deliver," added Cojuango. Support from the private sector also trickled in with several companies and individuals pulling their resources to pool P5.5 million as an incentive to any athlete that will win the country’s first gold medal. President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo raised the government’s share pledging an additional P4.5 million aside from the P5 million provided under the Incentives act bringing to P15 million the financial incentive. “It's a strong indication of the country's unified stand to finally win the elusive gold," said Ramirez. – GMANews.TV