AT LEAST six tracksters will be brought to Japan by the Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association to join a Nagasaki training camp that would prepare them for the Tokyo, Olympics.
PATAFA president Philip Ella Juico said they plan to do this at least three months before the 2020 Summer Games begins.
Juico revealed that this will help potential athletes prepare better in their bid to win the country’s first Olympic gold.
They were given an opportunity to do this following an invitation by Japanese entrepreneur Katsutoshi Shimizu, who informed Juico that he will host Filipino athletes who will train at the Nagasaki Athletics Stadium in Isahaya as part of their buildup.
“It is a very good offer from Mr. Shimizu. I thank Mr. Shimizu for his kind gesture of giving our athletes access to a world-class facility,” said Juico.
The Japanese businessman frequently visits the country as he is into the shipping and food service business.
Juico explained that while PATAFA will shoulder the air fare and the board and lodging, it will be Shimizu who will take care of the training program.
And this is for Filipino athletes who will make the cut for the Olympics.
The PATAFA is confident that they will be able to send pole vaulter EJ Obiena, along with Fil-American hurdler Eric Cray to the Tokyo games.
