GMA gives incentives to sports heroes

President Arroyo honored past sports heroes last Sunday on a day she called on the sporting community to start building a stronger foundation for the future of Philippine sports as she gave members of the RP contingent a final boost before they leave for the 14th Asian Games in Busan, South Korea.

The Chief Executive, represented by Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) chairman Eric Buhain, released the second and last part of the Athletes Incentives Act (R.A. 9064) to 28 retired athletes, whose past exploits are being emulated by the new batch of athletes doing battle in the Sept. 29-Oct. 14 Games.

The retired athletes, including former athletics great Mona Sulaiman and Lydia de Vega-Mercado and boxing champions Anthony Villanueva and brothers Roel and Mansueto Velasco, received their checks from Buhain at the end of the 17-day nationwide torch relay at the Quirino Grandstand.

"There is no amount that would equal what our past sports heroes have contributed to our nation’s pride. Giving them incentives is just small way of expressing our gratitude and as we look back to their achievements, we are also encouraging our present athletes to follow their tracks and give our country more glory," Mrs. Arroyo’s statement said as read by Buhain.

Other athletes who received their share were Andres Franco, Lolita Lagrosas, Romeo Villanueva, Olivia "Bong" Coo, Rafael "Paeng" Nepomuceno, Lolita Reformado, Renato Reyes, Paulo Valdez, Manfredo Alipala, Rodolfo Arpon, Leopoldo Cantancio, Reynaldo Galido, Elias Recaido, Leopoldo Serrantes, Rolando Guaves, Raymundo Deyro, Jacinto Cayco, Haydee Coloso-Espino, Jairulla Jaitula, Gertrudes Lozada, Stephen Fernandez, Donald David Geisler and Rolly Chulhang.

"Now, we all should look forward and deal with what is ahead of us. We should all strive harder as we aim to give tribute to our sports heroes and the Busan Games are an opportune venue where we could give our best and win medals for the country," Buhain said.

Buhain also thanked the more than a million runners comprised of athletes, students, teachers, government officials and the common folk, who joined the nationwide torch run, which culminated on Sunday at the Quirino Grandstand.