An 11-member Philippine Masters athletics team is set to represent the country at the World Masters Athletics Outdoor Championships 2024, scheduled to take place from August 13-25 in Gothenburg, Sweden.
Leading the delegation is World Masters Athletics double gold medalist Danilo Fresnido, who will be competing in the javelin throw.
Other members of the team include John Aguilar (100m), Bhen Alacar (10km road run / 5km walk), Edward Obiena (pole vault/ discus throw), Ninoy Marayag (triple jump / long jump), Drolly Claravall (hammer throw / discus throw), Riezel Buenaventura (pole vault), Nhea Barcena (half marathon), Brenda Zinampan (100m/200m/80m hurdles), Judith Staples (pole vault/discus throw) and Edward Kho.
John Aguilar (100m), Bhen Alacar (10km road run / 5km walk), Edward Obiena (pole vault/ discus throw), Ninoy Marayag (triple jump / long jump), Drolly Claravall (hammer throw/discus throw), Riezel Buenaventura (pole vault), Nhea Barcena (half marathon), Brenda Zinampan (100m/200m/80m hurdles), Judith Staples (pole vault/discus throw) and Edward Kho (400m).
Before their departure today, a simple send-off party was organized by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) through Commissioner Olivia “Bong” Coo and 5-Throws-For-All Founder Atty. Al Agra. The event was held to honor the athletes and boost their morale ahead of the competition.
“You are carrying the pride of the Philippines and serve as a role model for young athletes. Make us proud,” Coo told the members of the team. “It will inspire other athletes to know that there is still life after retirement.”
Agra, who is also a member of the Philippine Masters Athletics team and will compete in the javelin and discus throw events, emphasized the importance of promoting an active lifestyle among masters and seniors across various sports, not just athletics.
He and Commissioner Coo are currently working to establish a Philippine Masters Games Association and seek its affiliation with the international governing body.
“We want to encourage active lifestyles for masters and seniors, not just in athletics but in other sports as well,” said Atty. Agra, who also serves as the President of the Pilipinas Obstacle Sports Federation (POSF).
The team will arrive in Gothenburg on August 10, 2024, allowing for two days of acclimatization to familiarize the athletes with the venue before the opening ceremony on August 12. The competition will commence on August 13, with three athletes competing on the first day: Judith Staples in Pole Vault, Brenda Zinampan in the 100m Women’s event, and John Aguilar in the 100m Men’s event.
“The NMSAAP team is optimistic about our chances of securing medals, drawing confidence from their previous performances. However, we are also mindful of the challenges and uncertainties that come with competing on the international stage,” said Dr. Claravall, NMSAAP president
The team expresses deep gratitude to sponsors, including the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), Com. Bong Coo, Senator Bong Go, wrist pod, Edobee Sports, Massiv Sports, Asics USA, and other private donors.
