First Gent to support SEAG-bound athletes

First Gentleman Mike Arroyo has invited potential patrons from the government and private sector to boost the country’s campaign in the 23rd Southeast Asian Games in Vietnam in December.

"On behalf of the First Gentleman, I am pleased to announce that he intends to help the Philippine quest for gold in the Vietnam SEA Games by inviting his friends in the private and government sector to a pledging session in Malacañang," said Rod Nepomuceno in yesterday’s Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Forum at the Holiday Inn Manila.

Nepomuceno, a former country manager of the International Management Group and whom Arroyo appointed as project director of the affair, said the pledging session to be led by the First Gentleman will be held on Aug. 15 at the Heroes Hall in Malacañang.

With the help of the Philippine Sports Commission and Philippine Olympic Committee, Nepomuceno said they have already identified at least 60 "gold medal potentials" that would benefit from the fund drive.

"In consultation with the POC and the PSC, we have already identified athletes bound for the SEA Games with legitimate gold medal potentials, who will benefit from this fund-raising," Nepomuceno said.

"What the First Gentleman is doing will ease the responsibilities of the PSC so we can also address other pressing concerns," said PSC chairman Eric Buhain, who guested in the same Forum, sponsored by Agfa, Red Bull and Pagcor.

"We are grateful for the invaluable support that First Gentleman Mike Arroyo is doing on behalf of our campaigners for the SEA Games," Buhain added.

Asked why Arroyo is going all out in helping the Philippine gold quest in the SEA Games, Nepomuceno explained that the First Gentleman strongly believes that "sports is a catalyst for national development."