STAR launches fund drive for Pinoy skater

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine STAR is launching a fund-raising campaign for Filipino figure skater Michael Christian Martinez after his historic stint at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia last Feb. 14.

Martinez placed 19th with a final score of 184.25 points out of the 24 who made the cut from a field of 30 skaters at the Iceberg Skating Palace.

“We are grateful to everybody who supported and prayed for Michael. He had barely one-and-a-half months of full training prior to the Olympics versus the many years of preparation of his older opponents, yet he managed to defeat 10 veteran skaters,” Maria Teresa Martinez, mother and member of the skater’s coaching team, said.

Michael’s journey does not end in Sochi, as the young skater will continue to train for the 2018 Winter Olympics to be held in Pyeongchang, South Korea.

In line with this, The STAR is spearheading a campaign to support Michael’s 2018 Winter Olympics medal quest as he continues to train hard and bring honor and pride to the country.

STAR president and CEO Miguel Belmonte offered to kickstart The STAR’s campaign by way of a P50,000 donation.

For those interested to give financial assistance that will go a long way in providing Michael the training he needs, please deposit directly to the following accounts:

Bank of the Philippine Islands

Account Name: Maria Teresa Martinez

Account #3160-0014-87

Swift Code – BOPI PHMM

Address: National Road, Muntinlupa City, Philippines

Branch Code 316

Banco de Oro

Account Name: Maria Teresa Martinez

Account #000208015854

Swift Code – BNORPHMM

Branch Code 020

Address: Alabang, Muntinlupa, Philippines

Deposit slips may be emailed to contactus@philstar.com.ph for acknowledgment and will be sent to Michael’s family.

The STAR is also slated to come out with a “Road to 2018” special edition on Michael’s journey to the Olympics and will donate part of the project proceeds to Michael for his training.

“Michael wants to personally thank The Philippine STAR for this fund-raising effort,’ his mother said. “He wants to let everybody know that he’s happy with his 19th place finish since his modest target was to make it to the top 24 and to simply qualify in the final event.”