The national rowing team started its campaign in the 2021 World Rowing Asian-Oceanian Olympic Qualification Regatta in Tokyo, Japan on Wednesday with a “thank you” to the Philippine Sports Commission for supporting its efforts to gain Olympic slots.
PSC chairman William “Butch” Ramirez said he hopes for more qualifiers from the national team and assured “the PSC will give all-out support for our athletes no matter the present situation, for as long as we can.”
“Salamat po sa PSC sa pagsuporta at pagtitiwala sa amin. Regular po ang online consultations namin sa sports psychology and sports physiology,” said rower Melcah Jen Caballero in an interview.
Caballero thanked the PSC for constantly strengthening their mental health, through the agency’s Medical Scientific Athletes Services units.
Five rowers are joining in three events, namely Caballero and Joanie Delgaco in the women’s lightweight and women double sculls, Zuriel Sumintac and Roque Abala in the men’s lightweight double sculls, and Cris Nievarez in the men’s single sculls from May 5 to 7.
Rowing coach Edgardo Maerina also expressed his appreciation to the sports agency.
“Diresto ang suporta at monitoring nila sa amin. Hindi man naging madali ang preparations, motivated ang mga athletes natin,” said Coach Maerina, the first Filipino to compete in Olympic rowing in 1988.
The team’s hotel accommodation, allowances, and airfare amounting to over P1.4 million pesos were covered by the PSC. This includes the additional support covering the RT-PCR tests upon entry to Tokyo, and accommodation assistance on their return to the country.
All competing and non-competing national teams are continuously monitored by the PSC’s medical units.