Para Games winners to get bonus early

Filipino medalists in the fourth Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Para Games in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand will receive their cash incentives soon.

Philippine Sports commissioner Eric Loretizo yesterday said he already asked Philippine Sports Association for the Differently Abled (Philspada) to write them a letter certifying the medalists in the biennial meet.

“I told him (Barredo) to write the PSC a letter as per instruction of the chairman (William “Butch” Ramirez) and he said he’ll do that pretty soon,” said Loretizo, who was with Barredo in Thailand when the Philippines posted its best finish in the Para Games at fifth spot.

As soon as the sports agency gets the letter, the board will then discuss the letter for approval on its calendared meeting on Feb. 12.

“The chairman is just waiting for the letter, he knows how hard the athletes trained and competed just to win medals in the Para Games,” said Loretizo.

Loretizo said the medalists may receive the same amount athletes received in the 2005 Manila Para Games – P25,000 for gold, P15,000 for silver and P10,000 for bronze medals.

“We don’t know the amount yet but there’s a chance medalists will get the same amount,” Loretizo said. Barredo, a former commissioner, however, is pleading for more.

“I will request PSC for this (2005 incentives) and maybe if they would like to add to it, the athletes would be happier,” said Barredo.