BY CHRISTINE MONCADA
PHILIPPINE Sports Commission Chairman William Ramirez is
keeping his fingers crossed the financial aid from the government that will be
used for the coming stint of Filipino athletes in the Beijing Olympics in August
would be released by the end of this month.
"We are expecting it at the end of March," Ramirez said
yesterday. "Sana nga maibigay na dahil may mga payables na tayo, matagal nang
ongoing and training ng mga atleta natin."
In the absence of the Olympic budget that will come from the
PSC’s share in the General Appropriations Act, the government sports agency is
financing the preparations of elite Filipino athletes for the Summer Games.
The PSC is providing monthly allowances for swimmers Miguel
Molina, Daniel Coakley, James Walsh, Ryan Arabejo and Christel Simms who are all
training in the United States.
Long jumpers Henry Dagmil, Marestella Torres and hurdler
Sheena Atilan are also honing their skills in the US. Also perfecting his craft
in Egypt is archer Mark Javier.
"What I’m concerned about is our payables in China. Train now
and pay later and arrangement natin with the Chinese government," said Ramirez,
referring to the country’s bilateral agreement with China that has paved the way
for the training of Pinoy wushu athletes under Chinese coaches.
The government has earmarked P30 million for the country’s preparation and
actual participation in the Beijing Games.
