In organizing a one-month training camp this November, officials of the Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association won’t just be counting on the support of the Philippines Sports Commission.
PATAFA president Philip Ella Juico said support from the cash-strapped government sports agency will be limited.
And that is why they may have to turn to the private sector and to their own resources to be able to pull off their plans for national athletes to resume training by the first week of November.
“The PSC is aware and we had discussions at hindi naman kailangan lahat,” said Juico.
Juico said the PSC has agreed to take care of the food expenses when the training sessions are finally held at the De La Salle University-Canlubang in Laguna by Nov. 1.
The PATAFA chief said they are seeking approval from the Interagency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases to be able to push through with the training camp.
The camp will be held under a “bubble” for a month right before their plan to hold the National Open starting on Dec. 4 at the New Clark City Athletics Stadium in Capas, Tarlac.
National athletes will have a chance to get themselves in good condition when the approval for the camp is finally given.
“Our athletes are not in top shape. But we are doing our best, given the resources,” added Juico.
There were plans to have a restart in the second week of August. But their preparations were delayed when Metro Manila went back to a Modified Enhanced Quarantine Community last August 3.
Bases Conversion Development Authority Vice President Arrey Perez confirmed to Juico the availability of the NCC facilities last Friday.
The PATAFA chief said the NCC Stadium is currently being utilized as a quarantine facility for coronavirus patients.
And it will soon be disinfected to give way to the preparations that will be done for the staging of the National Open.
