It will just be a matter of time before training of national athletes resumes.
Officials of the Philippine Sports Commission made this assurance after they checked on the present condition of the four Olympic-bound national athletes, and assessed where the sports agency can still help.
And once they get a go-signal from the Interagency Task Force for the Management of Infectious Diseases, it will only take two weeks before workouts resume.
National training director Marc Velasco said this following talks with boxer Irish Magno, who is in her hometown in Iloilo.
With facilities at the Philsports Complex in Pasig City still not available, along with the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex, plans are to shirt their training to other locations.
Among them is the Inspire Academy in Calamba, Laguna.
“We already submitted a request to the IATF na kung puede pasimulan na natin ang training for Olympic athletes,” remarked Velasco.
Velasco said that athletes from non-contact sports are the only ones that are allowed.
Sports officials reached out to the many national athletes, with PSC Chairman William Ramirez making time to also connect with gymnast Carlos Yulo, pole vaulte EJ Obiena, boxers Eumir Marcial and Magno on Zoom.
“This is nothing formal. Gusto lang namin kayong makita kasi noong nag pandemic, we were worried. I’m happy that all of you are alright and well,” said Ramirez.
Joining Ramirez were Commissioners Arnold Agustin, Ramon Fernandez, Celia Kiram and Charles Maxey, DED-FAS Merly Ibay, Acting DED-BCSSS Queenie Evangelista and PSI Nat’l Training Director Marc Velasco, together with Chef de Mission Nonong Araneta and POC Secretary General Atty. Ed Gastanes.
Obiena, who is in Formia, Italy informed the PSC that he has gained some weight during the pandemic.
Yulo, who just came back from school in Tokyo congratulated Obiena for his historic gold medal win in Ostrava Gold Spike.
Marcial told the PSC that he is set to leave for Los Angeles on Sunday to kick off his professional training,
His move to Los Angeles will give him an advantage with his preparation for the Tokyo Olympics. Peter Atencio