WHEN PSC Chairman William “Butch” Ramirez guested Friday on the PSC Hour program of Radyo Pilipinas Dos, he declared his trust and confidence that the 19-strong Tokyo Olympics qualifiers have what it takes to get a golden finish.
“I’m so excited for the result of the hard work of the athletes, coaches, and NSAs on this journey to Tokyo Olympics in this pandemic,” said Ramirez.
The two-time PSC chief thanked all the athletes for their sacrifices and dedication to reach their dream of becoming an Olympian which according to him is not an overnight success, “yung makarating ka lang ng Olympics, parang nanalo ka na rin ng gold. It’s priceless to be in an international competition lalo na sa Olympics” remarked Ramirez.
“Naniniwala akong may medalya tayo sa Tokyo Olympics. Malamang meron tayong gold, silver at bronze medal kasi mayron din tayong mga baguhan na pwedeng gumawa ng surprises. Hindi naman kailangan na umabot ka ng 12 years para maka-medalya ka sa Olympics. Depende talaga sa talento, coaching, exposure, serendipity, at panahon, maraming factors yan.” declared the sports agency chief.
He also said that preparing for the Olympics is not a one-year affair. He explained that for the Tokyo 2020+1 Olympics, preparation started as early as 2016 Rio Olympics. He disclosed that the PSC has spent around 2 billion on the national team’s expenses from that time to present for the national team’s preparation.
Nineteen (19) Filipino athletes – the second-biggest delegation to be sent by the country since the 2000 Sydney Olympics will banner the Philippines in the most prestigious multisport event of the world including Ernest John Obiena (athletics), Carlos Yulo (gymnastics), Eumir Felix Marcial (boxing), Irish Magno (boxing), Nesthy Petecio (boxing), Carlo Paalam (boxing), Hidilyn Diaz (weightlifting), Cris Nievarez (rowing), Kurt Barbosa (taekwondo), Margielyn Didal (skateboarding), Elreen Ando (weightlifting), Jayson Valdez (shooting), Juvic Pagunsan (golf), Kiyomi Watanabe (judo), Kristina Knott (athletics), Yuka Saso (golf), Bianca Pagdanganan (golf), Luke Gebbie (swimming) and Remedy Rule (swimming).
Ramirez also commented that this Olympic campaign can become a uniting factor for the country, “sana makatulong sa environment ng Pilipinas. Hopefully, we can unite them. Sana magkaisa ang mga Pilipino dahil sa mga atleta.”
He also requested the prayers and support of Filipinos for all the national athletes who will be representing the nation in the highest athletic competition in the world from July 23 to August 8. “I encourage everyone to offer some prayers for our delegation. We need your prayers and your cheers. Win or lose help us. Sana mamayagpag ang atletang Pilipino.” implored Ramirez.
