The Athletes’ Commission under the Philippine Olympic Committee organized a well-attended symposium last weekend for national athletes at the Highlands Steakhouse in Pasig City.
The symposium, entitled “IOC Athletes Career Programs” was held under the aegis of the International Olympic Committee Olympic solidarity Program.
It aimed to empower national athletes in managing their lives and careers during and after their stint in the national team.
Some 36 national athletes from different national sports associations attended the whole-day confab.
Speakers endorsed by the IOC were both from Singapore.
Former Olympian sailor Jovina Choo is the Asian representative to the World Olympians Association while Ren Cai Yip, is also a former Singaporean Olympian for water polo.
The Philippine Athletes Commission is chaired by Niko Huelgas (triathlon) with members Hidilyn Diaz (weightlifting), James de los Santos (karate) and Cheska Altomonte (softball).
POC Deputy Secretary General Karen T. Caballero assisted the athletes in putting the event together.
POC Secretary General Patrick Gregorio dropped by to give a pep talk to the participants as did Philippine Olympians president and former Olympic swimmer Akiko Thomson-Guevara.
Huelgas lauded the POC for actively pursuing such programs for the national athletes.
“It means so much to us athletes that the POC shows their concern for our welfare. It makes us feel more worthy as national athletes. Thank you for the added motivation of your presence here,” said Huelgas.
For his part, Gregorio said “The POC is conscious of such basic responsibilities as helping and motivating our athletes. POC Pres. Vargas is also making sure we will have more of these activities to help our athletes, coaches, trainers and everyone else involved in our national teams.”.