As many as 19 national sports associations will have to look for private venues and facilities that can serve as training facilities for national athletes.
Tokyo Olympics chef de mission Mariano “Nonong” Araneta said this as facilities inside the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex in Manila and at the Philsports Complex in Pasig remained closed.
“Sinabihan ko na ang Philippine Sports Commission na tingnan kung saan puwede mag-training sila,” said Araneta.
The Rizal Memorial Sports Complex and the Philsports Complex are closed because they are still being used as quarantine facilities for COVID-19 patients and undergoing disinfection activities.
So far, 17 NSAs have found private venues for the national athletes to train in and prepare either for Olympic qualifying competitions and next year’s Southeast Asian Games.
National Training Director Marc Velasco is assisting Araneta in finding available facilities.
“They will look into it at ano ang puwede,” added Araneta.
Among the qualified athletes for the Olympics, boxers Eumir Marcial and Irish Magno have not resumed training because of this.
As for pole vaulter EJ Obiena and gymnast Carlos Yulo, Araneta said their training activities abroad are continuing without a hitch.
“Dahil nasa ibang bansa sila, tuluy-tuloy lang ang training nila,” said Araneta.
Obiena remained in Formia, Italy since March, while Yulo is currently in Tokyo.
