Developing a national grassroots’ program in rowing is set to intensify at the soonest time possible following plans to put up a regional training center in Cavite,
Philippine Rowing Association president Patrick Gregorio said he is now into talks with Cavite Gov. Jonvic Remulla for such an undertaking.
Gregorio said plans on the creation of the center materialized after a meeting with Remulla and Philippine Olympic Committee president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino, who is also the congressman for the 8th district of Cavite.
During the talks, the Ternate-Maragondon River was identified as a good area to put up facilities for sculling and rowing.
The idea of putting up a training ground for rowers in Cavite came about after national team member Cris Nievarez earned a slot to the Tokyo Olympics.
“Maraming lugar diyan. Kung may access tayo diyan, hindi na tayo mahihirapan maghanap at magtayo ng mga facilities,” said Gregorio.
Last week, Nievarez qualified for the Tokyo Olympics following his participation at the Asia and Oceania Olympic and Paralympic qualifier in Tokyo.
After finishing 5th in the semifinals of the regatta in Japan, Nievarez placed ninth in the overall rankings, but still clinched a seat to the Olympics as some rowers ahead of him were already qualified in the games.
Nievarez is the third Filipino rower in history to earn an Olympic slot, next to coach Edgardo Maerina and Benjie Tolentino.