Athletes find new partners

MANILA, Philippines —  The road to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics for Filipino athletes has just gained a boost.

In a historic partnership, the Philippine Olympic Committee tied up with Smart Communications and SportsPlus for full support to the national athletes pursuing spots to the LA Games.

It’s a four-year partnership between the POC led by president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino, Smart and SportsPlus aimed at backing the athletes’ preparation and training camp with hopes of replicating the country’s success in the 2024 Paris Olympics.

“Ito po ay hindi para sa akin at para sa POC kundi para sa mga atletang Pilipino. Ang importante po dito ay ‘yung preparations natin para sa mabibigat nating laban sa SEA Games, Asian Games at LA Olympics,” said Tolentino after the contract signing on Wednesday night at the Gameville Ball Park in Mandaluyong.

“This collaboration with Smart and SportsPlus is a big boost for our athletes. The most important thing is preparation in all our undertakings, and these partnerships provide exactly that. With partners who are truly passionate about Philippine sports, we may not just bring home two medals like we did in the Paris Olympics, we can achieve even more.”

“Smart will empower our athletes in every step of the way. With support, the best is yet to come for Philippine sports. Tuloy ang ating laban, tuloy ang ating tagumpay. Para sa bayan, para sa Pilipino,” said Smart Communications first vice president and head of sports Jude Turcuato.