Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) chief Celso Dayrit stressed that identifying and tapping Fil-foreign athletes who can serve the country in future international competitions is just part of the plans by the Los Angeles-based POODC.
"If there are any Filipino athletes that would like to train in the US, the POODC can also help them," said Dayrit who was in the US recently to witness the launching of the private, non-profit group representing the Filipino community.
"Whichever the country needs—for the POODC to send Fil-Ams here or for us to send our local athletes there. But the initiative should come from us because the POODC does not know who would want to train in the US," said Dayrit.
It’s the NSAs who should know. If they feel that they have athletes who can benefit from training in the US, they have to coordinate with the POODC. It will determine the kind of help the athlete or athletes need," added Dayrit.
The POC president said local athletes who are expected to benefit most from the plan may come from swimming, track and field, and tennis where the development programs in the US are noted.
"But still, the initiative will have to come from us," he said.
The Philippine Sports Commission, according to Dayrit, may even help in the funding of the athletes, starting with the travel expenses, to lessen the burden on the POODC, a volunteer organization relying on donations from the Filipinos community in the US.
"This is a great opportunity for all of us… the athletes in particular," said Dayrit.
The POODC got the ball rolling by sending nine Fil-American athletes to the country to compete in the National Open track and field championships scheduled June 1 to 4 at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.
Seven of the Fil-American athletes arrived in Manila last Wednesday. They are Deborah Samson, Gary Cablayan, Kashus Perona, Breanne Bumanlag, Rose Supangan, Krizia Apelar and Jenny Buncio.
Runners from at least seven other countries led by China, Korea and Thailand are also seeing action in the event. It will be a baptism of fire for the Fil-Ams with those matching the SEA Games gold medal standard earning automatic berths to the RP team.