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    Margielyn Didal renews call for more skate parks in Philippines

    Didal renews call for more skate parks after SEA Games gold
    Dec 6, 2019
    PHOTO: jham mariano

    TAGAYTAY – Margielyn Didal renewed her call for the creation of more skate parks in the country following the two-gold medal haul of the Philippines on Thursday in the 30th Southeast Asian Games.

    Skateboarding got off to a strong start on Thursday with gold in the game of S.K.A.T.E. courtesy of Didal and Daniel Ledermann at the Sigtuna Hall. Christiana Means claimed a silver medal in the event.

    In the midst of the early success of the skateboarding athletes in the biennial meet, Didal once again called for support from all sectors in building more skate parks that will encourage more people to get into the sport.

    Although a new skate park has been built here for the SEA Games, Didal hopes there will be more.

    “Please, Philippines, wake up po tayo,” said Didal during a press conference after winning the gold in the SEA Games. “First day, first event natin, we got three medals in one day from skateboarding. But we need to wake up. Ilan ba skate parks ngayon. Para magising po lahat. Kailangan natin ng skate parks and (there will be) more medals to come.”

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      A team official echoed Didal’s statement, saying Filipino athletes have to leave the country just to train for international competitions such as the SEA Games.

      “Margie has to leave the Philippines to maintain her level,” said team manager Anthony Claravall, who also acts as the vice president of the Skateboard and Roller Sports Association of the Philippines. “She has two gold medals for the Philippines, one in the Asian Games and in the SEA Games. There is no proper facility in the entire country. There is no proper facility in the Philippines and in Cebu in her hometown.”

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      Claravall also emphasized Didal’s sacrifices in order to get the gold medals for the country, and that includes leaving her family just to train and vie for honors.

      “Margie is a typical Filipina. Her family means a lot to her. Unfortunately for her, to get here and be on the podium to get a gold, she cannot be home. She has to see her family once every two months. She has to eat foreign food. She has to be on her own. It’s really, really hard,” said Claravall.

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      “Please support our Filipino athletes so that they can at least train here in the Philippines,” said Claravall.

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