FIFTEEN Filipino athletes, as of this count, led by pole vaulter Ernest John Obiena, will be closely followed and supported by Cignal TV and the Manny V. Pangilinan Sports Foundation in their journey to and participation in the 2024 Paris Olympics.
The MVPSF will help the Filipino Olympians in the acquisition of equipment and support personnel.
Cignal TV first vice president Sienna Olaso and MVP Sports Foundation chief Jude Turcuato said this as they talked about the roles that their groups will play from behind the scenes in the Philippine team’s quest for glory in the biennial meet.
Olaso said a lean six-man team will be at the Metz’ training camp come up with segments that will be part of a 13-part miniseries chronicling the athletes’ journey.
“They will be there as they prepare and talk, when they’re free to talk about their journey,” said Olaso as she and top Cignal TV exec Gerard Milan discussed Cignal TV’s involvement during a presentation on Monday at the Cignal Customer Experience Center in Mandaluyong.
The participation of the 15 athletes will also be aired on all four platforms of Cignal TV when they finally compete.
Turcuato, on the other hand, said they will at first back up the campaigns of Olympians who have the best chances to win—boxers Carlo Paalam, Eumir Marcial, Aira Villegas, Nesty Petecio and Hergie Bacyadan, along with gymnast Carlos Yulo and pole vaulter Obiena.
MVPSF will provide them with nutritionists, physical therapists and team psychologists.
The number will be expanded when more Filipino athletes get qualification spots in Paris.