THE PHILIPPINE Canoe Kayak Federation (PCKF) axed 25 national athletes and three coaches from dragon boat after they launched a complaint against their officials, throwing the country's preparation for the Southeast Asian Games in December in disarray.
In a letter addressed to the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), PCKF acting president Jonne Go asked the government sports agency to strip the athletes and coaches of their monthly allowances as they have been terminated from the association.
The PSC has not acted yet on PCKF’s letter.
Go stated “gross disrespect of authority” and “defiance to teamwork and good manners” as reasons for the athletes and coaches' termination.
The PCKF official also said a tryout will soon be conducted to form a new national squad.
The SEA Games Task Force earlier approved the 40 athletes recommended by the PCKF to comprise the national team expected to challenge the host country for the golds.
The letter didn’t state the exact reason for the termination, but a source said the athletes and coaches apparently expressed their interest to join a world championship event organized by the International Dragon Boat Federation (IDBF).
The PCKF, however, is not under the umbrella of the IDBF.
At the same time, the athletes and coaches, the sources added, also questioned the competence of the current PCKF leadership.
According to a memorandum by the federation, Go claimed the athletes habitually disrespected her as well as other senior athletes and coaches.
“As your acting president, I cannot, in any way tolerate, ill manners and undesirable attitude and behavior of any member of the PCKF national pool regardless of their performance and athletic records,” said Go.
Get more of the latest sports news & updates on SPIN.ph