Go named Phl Youth Olympic delegation chief

MANILA, Philippines - Jonne Go, president of the Philippine Canoe Kayak Federation, has been appointed as chef-de-mission of the Philippine delegation to the second Youth Olympic Games in Nanjing.

Philippine Olympic Committee president Jose Cojuangco announced Go’s appointment yesterday or six months before the Games take place Aug. 16-28.

Go, also a POC board member who served as deputy chef-de-mission to Nathaniel “Tac” Padilla in last year’s Asian Youth Games in Nanji, thanked Cojuangco for the opportunity.

“It’s going to be a challenge but we have to work together. We have to work as a team to get as many qualifiers to the YOG as we can,” said Go,

“Right now, we only have four (two golfers, two archers) qualified athletes and we’re targeting at least 20. Mr. Cojuangco will directly oversee the preparation of the athletes,” she said.

Go said with the help of the Philippine Sports Commission under chairman Richie Garcia the Philippines will be able to send more than the nine athletes that competed in the 2010 YOG in Singapore.

“I hope we can at least double the number of qualifiers from the last YOG for us to have more chances,” said POC chairman Tom Carrasco of triathlon.

The Philippines won two gold medals in women’s taekwondo and women’s golf in the Asian Youth Games, raising hopes that the Philippines may also do well in the Youth Olympic Games. 

“We have confidence in our youth athletes. They are the future of Philippine sports so they deserve our full support. They delivered in the AYG and we hope they can do it again.

“This is the Youth Olympics where every young athlete dreams of competing. This is the highest level of competition in youth sports,” added Go.

The PCKF chief is the first woman to play the role of Philippine chef-de-mission in a major international competition.