Sports leaders are drawing inspiration from gymnast Carlos Yulo’s gold-medal win in the 49th FIG Artistic Gymnastics World Championships in Stuttgart, Germany.
Because of this, support, not only from the government but from the private sector as well, is expected to snowball when the country’s preparations for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics starts early, even before the 30th Southeast Asian Games unfolds next month.
“He (Yulo) inspires all. Kailangan ay full support ka,” said Philippine Olympic Committee president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino, who keenly awaited the arrival of Yulo from his Germany tournament.
Tolentino said private support is now expected to pour in not only for Yulo, but also for other athletes who have qualified for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
The Philippine Sports Commission is set to give Yulo all the support he needs for the Olympiad, including the formation of a team of physiotherapist, sports nutritionist and sports psychologist to monitor his buildup for the SEA Games and the Tokyo Olympics next year.
The government is also set to hand out a cash incentive of P1 million, when he visits Malacanang today.
“Tuloy-tuloy na iyan. Bubuhusan na iyan ng support mula sa lahat ng stakeholders,” added Tolentino.
The POC chief is also considering Yulo’s well-being when he prepares for the Olympics, saying that he must be spared of flag-bearer duties for the SEA Games.
“Puwede nang hindi siya maglaro sa SEA Games at mag-concentrate na lang siya sa preparation niya if he has more important events to go to. And he may not even be one of the flag-bearers, kung malapit ang event niya sa opening ceremonies,” added Tolentino of Yulo, who is being considered as one of the flag-bearers for the Games.
“Caloy has shown so much. And when he twirled in midair, hindi basta-basta iyun,” said PSC Chairman William Ramirez in describing what compelled him and the board to set aside an additional P500,000 in incentives for Yulo.
Boxers Nesthy Petecio and Eumir Marcial will join Yulo and pole vaulter Ernest John Obiena, the first Tokyo Olympic qualifier, in their visit to Malacanang on Wednesday.
The 27-year-old Petecio won over hometown bet Liudmila Vorontsova on points, 3-2, to claim the 2019 AIBA Women’s World Boxing Championships featherweight gold medal in Ulan-Ude, Russia also Sunday.
For her feat, Petecio will receive P500,000 from the government, along with Eumir Marcial, who bagged the silver medal at the 2019 AIBA Boxing World Championships in Ekaterinburg, Russia last month.