SPORTS took the spotlight briefly in President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s third State of the Nation Address on Monday, asking Filipinos to join him in wishing the best for Olympic athletes and announcing a vigorous implimentation of a grassroots program through the Palarong Pambansa.
Marcos Jr. mentioned the 22 Olympic and six Paralympic athletes that is set for action in the coming weeks.
The Olympic Games will be held July 26 to August 11, while the Paralympic Games are slated August 28 to September 8.
READ Marcos Jr. to PH athletes: 'You carry our hopes and dreams to Paris'
“As we speak, 28 of our finest athletes are competing in Paris now for the glory of the Philippines,” Marcos Jr. said. “Let us wish them well and the best of luck.”
Aside from the Olympic participation, Marcos Jr. also cited the return of grassroots sports after its activities came to a halt during the height of the pandemic.
Marcos Jr. congratulated the cities of Marikina and Cebu City for the hosting of the Palarong Pambansa during his term, while also assuring that efforts to promote sports will continue.
“Grassroots and sports for all programs are back in the mainstream catering to Filipinos of all ages. Nailunsad na naman muli ang taunang Palarong Pambansa matapos ang tatlong taon na pagkakatigil nito dahil sa pandemya,” said Marcos Jr.
“We will continue to support this health-enhancing sports programs. Through these, we will also set forth our youth on the same well-established path that has taken some of our national champions and renowned athletes to sporting greatness,” said Marcos Jr.
Philippine Sports Commission chairman Richard Bachmann was also thankful that the President recognized the efforts of the different government agencies in sports, while also stressing that work still needs to be done.
"I am just proud that the President mentioned sports in his speech. Our efforts have been fruitful. Moving forward, we still have a lot to do and we need the support of BBM, POC, NSA’s and PSC to find the next athlete that will represent the country," Bachmann said.
"Let’s pray and support all are athletes competing in the Olympics and Para Olympics," Bachmann added.
Philippine Olympic Committee president Abraham Tolentino sees Marcos Jr.'s support as a milestone for Philippine sports.
Get more of the latest sports news & updates on SPIN.ph
NOTICE ON UNAUTHORIZED AND UNLAWFUL USE, PUBLICATION, AND/OR DISSEMINATION OF SPIN.PH CONTENT: Please be notified that any unauthorized and unlawful use, publication, and/or dissemination of Spin.ph’s content and/or materials is a direct violation of its legal and exclusive rights to the same, and shall be subject to appropriate legal action/s.
