By Peter Atencio
Paris Olympics’ double gold medallist Carlos Yulo has promised to share his blessings with the gymnastics’ community.
On Thursday, Yulo, along with Paris Olympics’ women’s boxing bronze medallist Nesthy Petecio, boxers Eumir Marcial and Hergie Bacyadan and rower Joanie Delgaco went to Malvar, Batangas to appear in a thanksgiving celebration for the Olympians.
The festivities saw Yulo receive P2 million and Petecio, P300,000 in cash incentives, to go with a year’s supply of ice cream products from AICE’s factory, located inside the Aboitiz Group’s 700-hectare LIMA Estate in Batangas.
With Yulo’s incentives reaching more than P100 million, he said that giving back to the gymnastics’ community is the next best thing to do in his effort to inspire others.
“He will soon start training. And he is going to give a portion of his incentives to those who trained with him at the gym and at the gymnastics’ center. He just needs time,” said Gymnastics Association of the Philippines president Cynthia Carrion, who accompanied Yulo and the other athletes to Batangas,
“Nagpapasalamat ako sa AICE sa suporta na binigay niyo sa akin. Sana ma-inspire niyo pa ang ibang mga athletes na gusting mag-compete at makarating sa Olympics,” said the 24-year-old Yulo following a tour given to him and members of the Paris Olympics’ delegation around the factory’s sprawling production line.
The Malvar facility is AICE’s biggest factory in Southeast Asia in the Philippines, spanning 49,070 square meters.
Company officials from both AICE and Aboitiz InfraCapital, jointly handed the bonuses of Yulo and Petecio, along with the gift certificates for the ice cream treats.
Philippine Olympic Committee marketing director Nikko Huelgas joined Carrion, Yulo and the other athletes during the tour.
AICE brand manager Sheree Yu-de Leon said that the achievements of Filipino athletes at the Paris Olympics validated their commitment to support the country’s grassroots sports program.
“I am happy to share this glorious moment with you. AICE Philippines has always been true to its commitment by taking action in the developments and programs of Philippines,” said Yu-de Leon, following a short ceremony at the Holiday Inn and Suites at the Lima Park, with Aboitiz InfraCapital top exec Rafael de Mesa.
