The President of the Philippines, Bongbong Marcos Jr. is recognized for his commitment to sports and his strong advocacy for more support for Filipino athletes particularly those who represent the country on a global level. This dedication was further highlighted when Marcos Jr. and the First Family welcomed the Filipino athletes who represented the country at the just ended 2024 Olympic Games in Paris France. On Tuesday, August 13, the Ceremonial Hall of Malacañang Palace hosted a celebration of athletes achievements and a forum for the President to explore the future of sports development in the Philippines.
'EYY' MOMENT TO REMEMBER IN PH SPORTS HISTORY 🤙🇵🇭✨
— PTVph (@PTVph) August 14, 2024
LOOK: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and their sons Vincent and Simon Marcos struck a pose with Filipino Olympians during their "Heroes Welcome" at Malacañan Palace.
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In his speech during the event, President Marcos Jr. lauded the accomplishments of the Filipino contingent at the 2024 Olympic Games. The Philippines had a historic run in the Olympics, securing a total of four medals—two golds and two bronzes. This success was a significant milestone, as it marked the country’s highest Olympic Games ranking since 1964, finishing 37th overall and emerging as the best Southeast Asian nation in the competition.
Carlos Yulo, a gymnast who has consistently proven his prowess in international competitions, played a pivotal role in this achievement. Yulo made history by becoming the first Filipino Olympic multi-gold medalist. He won his second gold medal in the vault competition just 24 hours after clinching his first in another event, solidifying his status as the greatest Olympian in Philippine history. His exceptional performance at the Bercy Arena on Sunday, August 4, was a moment of immense pride for the country.
In addition to Yulo’s success, the nation also celebrated the achievements of boxers Nesthy Petecio and Aira Villegas, who each won bronze medals in their respective weight divisions. Their victories contributed to the Philippines' impressive overall performance at the Olympics, highlighting the potential of Filipino athletes on the world stage.
While President Marcos Jr. was full of praise for the athletes, he also acknowledged a significant issue—the lack of adequate sporting facilities and formal support structures for athletes in the country. He emphasized the need for a more structured approach to help athletes perform better and compete more effectively in international competitions.
“They did it on their own, of course, someone is helping them. Sometimes, the government helped. But there is no formal structure to help our athletes. And that’s what we are going to establish now. Instead of issuing cash prizes—well, if you need more cash, we will find some more. But I think, more importantly, I want to be part of the development of sports in the Philippines. We have been left behind,” Marcos stated.
This statement reflects a shift in the government’s approach to supporting athletes. Rather than focusing solely on financial rewards, the President expressed his desire to be directly involved in the development of sports programs that would ensure long-term success for Filipino athletes. He emphasized the importance of creating a sustainable support system that would not only reward athletes for their achievements but also provide them with the resources and infrastructure needed to excel.
To achieve these goals, President Marcos Jr. highlighted the importance of collaboration between the government, athletes, coaches, and their families. He reiterated his commitment to engaging in discussions with all stakeholders to identify the challenges faced by athletes and find effective solutions.
“That is what I want to talk about, not only the athletes but also the coaches—what else is lacking? For the parents, what were the challenges? Those who trained Yulo—what was the most challenging part so we can help? You tell us, and hopefully, if we really work together and start to prepare—not only for the Olympics, of course, that’s a very important one, but not only the Olympics. We start to prepare for all the international competitions that we have—that are there before us,” he added.
This comprehensive approach indicates a holistic understanding of the factors that contribute to an athlete’s success. By involving coaches and families in the conversation, the government aims to create a support system that addresses the various aspects of an athlete’s journey—from training and preparation to mental and emotional well-being.
Carlos Yulo’s remarkable achievements have not gone unnoticed. In addition to the widespread recognition and accolades he has received, Yulo has also been awarded substantial financial incentives totaling PHP 40 million from various government organizations. These incentives are a testament to the value the country places on its athletes and the acknowledgment of their hard work and dedication.
Furthermore, private organizations have also stepped in to support Yulo and other athletes, providing additional cash incentives as a token of appreciation for their contributions to the nation’s success on the global stage. This collective effort from both the public and private sectors underscores the importance of sports in the Philippines and the need to invest in its athletes.
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The future of sports in the Philippines looks promising, with the government’s renewed commitment to supporting athletes and improving sports infrastructure. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s dedication to establishing structured programs and fostering collaboration among stakeholders is a step in the right direction. As the country continues to celebrate the achievements of its athletes, there is hope that with the right support, Filipino athletes will continue to shine on the international stage.
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