PBBM rallies support for PH athletes in Paris Olympics

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. recognized the participation of the 28 Filipino athletes competing in the 2024 Paris Olympics and Paralympics during his State of the Nation Address on Monday, July 22.

He urged Filipinos to support the 22 athletes and six para-athletes and wished them good luck for the upcoming Games, with the Summer Olympics officially starting on July 26 and the Paralympics on August 28.

President Marcos expressed belief in the significance of sports and assured continued support for health-enhancing programs, with the Philippine Sports Commission providing athletes with necessary resources.

Notable Filipino qualifiers include pole vaulter Ernest John Obiena, boxers Carlo Paalam and Nesthy Petecio, gymnast Carlos Yulo, and weightlifters Elreen Ando and Vanessa Sarno.

The Philippines is celebrating its 100th year of participation in the Olympics and aims to surpass its medal haul from the 2021 Tokyo campaign.

Philippine Olympic Committee president Abraham "Bambol" Tolentino thanked President Marcos for the recognition, stating it provides an extreme boost to the morale of the athletes and the entire Philippine sports community.

Tolentino highlighted that the President's emphasis on sports in his SONA, an act not commonly done by past presidents, is highly inspiring.