Time for Filipino IOC scholars to deliver

MANILA, Philippines - Amparo Acuna, a 17-year-old shooter and veteran of the 2014 ISSF World Cup in Munich, flashed her pretty smile as her name was called.

Her parents watched as the high school student from St. Paul Pasig yesterday received her certificate as one of 12 Filipino athletes who were granted scholarships by the International Olympic Committee.

Under the IOC Solidarity Program, the 12 Filipino athletes will receive $500 a month in allowance starting in September and all the way to the 2016 Rio Olympics.

The IOC will also provide subsidies covering their expenses for travel and board and lodging for any Olympic qualifying events they choose to join.

“I’ve been praying for this,” said Acuna, also a veteran of the 2013 Youth Olympic Games, during the simple rites at the Philippine Olympic Committee office in Pasig City.

“We need all the support. Now we have the support of the IOC. All we need to do now is to put in the extra effort,” she said.

Shooting is a very expensive sport and whatever the government can provide always is not enough. With the IOC behind her, Acuna is now looking for places to train.

“I can go to Singapore or Qatar or the United States or Germany,” said the young shooter specializing in the air rifle events.

Also receiving their IOC certificates were John Paul Lizardo, Christian dela Cruz, Kristopher Robert Uy and Kirstie Elaine Alora of taekwondo; Mia Legaspi and Princess Superal of golf; Eumir Felix Marcial and Irish Magno of boxing’ Jasmine Alkhaldi of swimming; Hermie Macaranas of canoeing; and Hagen Topacio of shooting.

Jose Romasanta, POC vice president, said a total of 23 names were submitted to the IOC but only 12 were chose and approved.

“It’s gratifying to note the IOC assistance to countries that need them most. The IOC wants as many qualifiers to the Rio Olympics and a bigger involvement of young athletes whom they’ve chosen to assist,” said Romasanta.

A second batch of candidates will be chosen and announced by the IOC in January of 2015.

Ed Picson, executive director of the Association of Boxing Alliances of the Philippines, said the IOC support is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

The chosen athletes, he said, should make the most out of it.

“It’s a recognition of their potential. Iba na pag IOC ang nagsabi na magaling ka. That should be an inspiration to all of them,” said Picson during the awarding of the certificates.

“These athletes should be happy and proud that they are being recognized by the IOC and not just the ABAP, the POC or the Philippine Sports Commission,” he added.

The boxing official, however, hoped that the athletes should not become complacent, and warned them that they are being monitored by the IOC.

“It comes with a responsibility being an IOC scholar so prove yourself,” said Picson.