MANILA: The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Invitational Golf Cup aims to raise at least PHP2 million for the benefit of athletes going to the Paris Olympics and Paralympic Games.
The tournament will be held on June 14 at Canlubang Gof and Country Club in Laguna.
PSC Commissioner Fritz Gaston said organizers are optimistic in reaching the target.
“The cash we will raise there is between PHP2 million to PHP2.5 million. That’s what the (PSC) Chairman (Richard Bachmann) said, that’s what he can raise in terms of cash,” Gaston said during the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Forum at Rizal Memorial Sports Complex conference hall in Manila on Tuesday.
He said proceeds of the event will go to the Olympics-bound athletes as well as the differently-abled qualifiers.
The Olympics is scheduled on July 26 to Aug. 11, while the Paralympic Games will be from Aug. 28 to Sept. 8.
‘Precisely, that’s our target. When we talked of Olympians, the para athletes are included,’ Gaston said. ‘Because what happens
is that all Olympians are only given (financial support) when they win. So at least, they have allowance.”
So far, 15 athletes are going to the Olympics — pole vaulter EJ Obiena; boxers Eumir Marcial, Carlo Paalam, Aira Villegas, Nesthy Petecio and Hergie Bacyadan; gymnasts Carlos Yulo, Aleah Finnegan, Levi Jung-Ruivivar and Emma Malabuyo; weightlifters John Ceniza, Elreen Ann Ando and Vanessa Sarno; rower Joanie Delgaco; and fencer Sam Catantan.
Qualified for the Paralympics are swimmers Ernie Gawilan and Angel Otom, taekwondo jin Allain Keanue Ganapin, and archer Agustina Bantiloc.
Gaston said athletes who will be included in the Paris-bound contingent at the last minute will also get their share.
Some 120 are expected to join the golf event, composed of national athletes, PSC and Philippine Olympic Committee officials, celebrities, sponsors, sports media and paying participants.
Gaston said Barangay Ginebra team captain LA Tenorio has confirmed participation.
Bachmann will hit the ceremonial tee, al
ong with former PSA president and retired Philippine Star sports editor Lito Tacujan.
Source: Philippines News Agency
