Preparations for the 2024 Paris Olympics will step up by next week as members of the Philippine delegation start leaving for France on Saturday (June 22).
Philippine representative Nikko Huelgas will, however, be the first to go, as a one-man advanced party, who will get the welcoming ceremony and red carpet ready at the Metz’ training camp.
A 70-member Philippine contingent made up 10 Filipino athletes, officials, coaches and support personnel will follow on Saturday.
Philippine Olympic Committee president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino discussed the departure of Team Philippines on Wednesday as the POC and Aice Brands Ice Cream Philippines, Inc. got into a Memorandum of Agreement for the 2024 Paris Olympics.
“We are leaving on Saturday, bound for the first ever training camp of the Philippines in the Olympics,” said Tolentino during a signing ceremony with Aice brand manager Shereen Yu-de Leon at the Discovery Primea Makati.
De Leon said the agreement will go on for a six-month period, with Aice organizing cheering activities for the athletes involved, and through #RuntoParisCheerforPhilippineOlympians.
Four boxers composed Carlo Paalam, Eumir Marcial, Aira Villegas and Hergie Bacyadan will be in the first batch of athletes leaving, with rower Joanie Delgaco, weighlifters John Ceniza, Elreen Ando and Vanessa Sarno.
Secretary general Wharton Chan said they are almost ready to accept athletes at the Metz’ camp.
“We are 99 percent ready. The Metz group and our local group are in touch. Preparations are doing good,” said Chan.
Chan added that an army of physical therapists, medical teams and psychologists will be at the Metz to help the athletes get ready.
“Kumpleto tayo dito,” said Chan.
