Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, August 5) — Filipino athletes who failed to clinch a medal at the Tokyo Olympics won’t end up empty handed.
“The non-medalists in the Tokyo Olympics will receive incentives of P500,000 each,” Philippine Olympic Committee President Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino said in a statement Thursday.
The reward will be given by POC and the MVP Sports Foundation of business tycoon Manuel V. Pangilinan, the statement added.
“Qualifying for the Olympics is already that difficult, what more competing in the Games themselves,” said Tolentino, who is also a deputy speaker of the House of Representatives.
Rowing’s Cris Nievarez, taekwondo’s Kurt Barbosa, skateboarding’s Margielyn Didal, shooting’s Jayson Valdez, gymnastics’ Carlos Yulo, boxing’s Irish Magno, judo’s Kiyomi Watanabe, weightlifting’s Elreen Ando, golf’s Juvic Pagunsan, athletics’ EJ Obiena, track’s Kristina Knott, and swimming’s Remedy Rule and Luke Gebbie are set to receive the incentive.
Golfers Bianca Pagdanganan and Yuka Saso are still competing. Boxers Eumir Marcial and Carlo Paalam, who are returning to the ring Thursday, are already assured of medals.
The Team Philippines made history in the Tokyo Olympics when weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz brought home the country’s first gold and Nesthy Petecio became the first Filipina boxer to bring home a silver Olympic medal.
The Summer Games will conclude on Sunday.
