Tokyo Olympics 2020: Support Our Sports
“Hirap na hirap na ako.”
This is what Olympic weightlifting gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz stated in her Instagram story as she sought out financial support in preparing for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
In the Philippines, professional athletes often find themselves struggling to financially support their training due to inadequate funding by the government.
Without such support, Filipino athletes are not able to maximize their full potential in advancing their careers and earning more medals for the country.
Olympic boxing bronze medalist Eumir Marcial described that his monthly allowance is not enough to sustain the many expenses including plane tickets, food, accommodation, and proper coaching. He proclaims in his Facebook post,
“Kung ganyan ang suporta at mentality n’yo, wag kayong maghangad ng gold sa Olympics!”
When the Philippines finally secured its first Olympic gold medal, there was a sudden outpour of support from both the government and the private sector. Diaz was immensely rewarded with prizes including a car, a few properties, and additional incentives. Furthermore, the three Filipino Olympic medalists who followed after Diaz were also showered with plenty of possessions.
Although Hidilyn Diaz, Nesthy Petecio, Carlo Paalam, and Eumir Marcial earned every bit of compensation they now have, these Filipino athletes deserve so much more.
Their historic wins and contributions to the country are a result of their own efforts through rigorous training — training that is not sufficiently supported by the Philippine government.
Compared to other countries, the athletes sent by the Philippines to compete in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics were few in number; however, this isn’t due to the lack of competent Filipino athletes. This can be linked to the lack of financial aid given to athletes who have the actual potential to compete internationally.
Our current reality shows that the Philippine government is only willing to provide benefits and support to several athletes after having succeeded. The administration fails to appreciate the passion and dedication of these athletes as they were still paving their path to success.
Meanwhile, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque surprisingly claims that the government has always supported and invested its resources towards the success of the Filipino Olympic medalists. On the contrary, these are the same athletes who have called for help in the past but only received the bare minimum.
The 2020 Tokyo Olympics teaches us to be more vigilant in holding the government accountable for its claims and promises.
As youth members of the Philippine society, it is important for us to join in supporting our athletes and helping them in every way we can, especially during the most crucial moments of their careers.
Laban, Pilipinas!
Sources
- Hidilyn Diaz asking for financial support for Tokyo 2020 stint: Call for financial support/help for athletes.
- ‘Hirap na hirap na ako’: Hidilyn Diaz asks for financial help for Olympic bid: Call for financial support/help for athletes.
- Eumir Marcial says monthly allowance not enough for Olympic preps: Call for financial support/help for athletes.
- The Olympics have shown that Filipino society supports only those who’ve already succeeded: Reflection of society “where we reward Filipinos who attain really high achievements but we show little support for aspirants who have the potential to be winners.”
- ‘No coincidence’ PH did best in Olympics under Duterte — Roque: Roque claims that President Duterte’s leadership has been effective in supporting and investing in these athletes.
Written by Yves Lazaro, a talented writer from our team who has been changemaking together with us for more than a year.
