MANILA – The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) board has approved the release of PHP15,000 cash assistance for each of the 85 athletes and 20 coaches from 24 sports associations to help them recover from the destruction brought about by Typhoon Odette.
PSC Chairman William Ramirez has been closely keeping track of the situation since the weekend, initiating a relief operation to also send about 10,000 bottled water and 900 units of mattresses, according to a news release on Tuesday.
The Special Services Office of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, which also oversees the detailed service of the country’s military-athletes, partnered with the PSC to ensure that these goods and subsequent packages reach their intended recipients.
A PHP50,000 financial aid for the rehabilitation of the weightlifting gym in Bohol has also been approved for release to start immediate repairs.
“My heart breaks for them. Napandemic na binagyo pa (After pandemic, now typhoon),” Ramirez said.
He, however, said it is during these times that the heart of champions beats stronger.
“They are trained to overcome, to survive and to win. They might be sad for a while but the champions in them will prod them to rise up and help themselves and those around them so that together they can get through this,” added the sports chief who has always spoken about the other golden triumphs sports bring about in the lives of people like acquiring positive values and character. (PR)
