Coleman joins Ajido as Philippines flag-bearers

MANILA, Philippines —  The Philippines will have not just one, but two flag-bearers – Jamesray Mishael Ajido and fellow swimmer Riannah Chantelle Coleman – during the parade of athletes in the Opening Ceremony of the Fourth Youth Olympic Games (YOG) on Oct. 31 in Dakar.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has been advocating on a male and a female athlete to bear their countries’ colors during the ceremony.

Philippine Olympic Committee president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino has earlier named Ajido as the lone flag-bearer and added Coleman because both athletes will be in Senegal in time for the opening ceremony at the Abdoulaye Wade Stadium in Diamniadio.

Joining Ajido and Coleman on an arduous 29-hour flight from Manila via Istanbul to Dakar on Wednesday night is a group including wushu athlete Angel Polo and their coaches.

The other athletes – artistic gymnastics’ Tchelzy Maayo and Hillarion Palles III, cycling’s Maritanya Krog, athletics’ Pi Durden Wangkay and Naomi Marjorie Caesar and windsurfing’s Jade Justine Justiniane will be flying to Dakar on Nov. 4.