ASIAD SEND-OFF. President Rodrigo R. Duterte leads the ceremonial send-off of athletes and coaches of the Philippine delegation to the 18th Asian Games at the Rizal Hall of Malacañan Palace on August 13, 2018. The Philippine delegation is set to compete in Indonesia from August 18 to September 2. (Presidential Photo)
MANILA -- The Siklab Atleta Pilipinas Sports Foundation hopes to inspire athletes to win medals in the forthcoming Asian Games by awarding cash incentives.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the foundation said it will give PHP1 million for a gold medal, PHP500,000 for a silver and PHP250,000 for a bronze.
"We want to help the country's dream of global recognition in sports. Through this incentive, we hope to motivate and inspire our athletes to excel and bring pride to our country," said presidential adviser Dennis Uy, who is also chairman of Siklab Atleta.
"To our athletes, your hard work and determination to excel despite adversities is an inspiration to your fellow Filipinos. You can count on the support of Siklab as you represent the best of our country to the world," Uy added.
Siklab Atleta Pilipinas Sports Foundation, Inc. is a private sector intiative aimed at winning the country's first Olympic gold medal.
The foundation, which is supported by major companies in the Philippines, has pledged to provide top-notch athletes with world-class training equipment and facilities, coaching, international exposure, education, housing and livelihood programs.
"We are thankful to the private sector for supporting our athletes and Siklab's vision of bringing pride and glory to our country through sports," Uy said.
Supporting the foundation are SM Investments Corp., Belle Resources, RFM Corp., Alaska Corp., Tanduay Distillery, JG Summit, and Megawide Construction, International Container Terminal Services, San Miguel Corp., PLDT, United Laboratories, Ulticon Builders, Phoenix Petroleum, 2GO, Megaworld, Robinson's Land and Piatco.
A total of 272 athletes will see action in the 18th Asian Games to be co-hosted by Jakarta and Palembang cities in Indonesia. (PNA)
