THE Philippine delegation to the 2016 Rio de Janeiro are short on personnel who can assist Filipino athletes in their campaign to win medals.
But sports officials present will be on hand to fill in as their assistants.
Chef de Mission Jose Romasanta said this as members of the the Philippine delegation left Saturday evening for Brazil.
“If we have to be the waterboys and towel persons, then so be it. After all, we are all in this together,” said Romasanta.
Romasanta said requests were made to bring in additional coaches and assistants for the athletes.
But Rio organizers only allowed one coach for each athlete.
Sprinter Eric Cray and long jumper Marestella Torres-Sunang will have the same coach, along with lifters Hidilyn Diaz and Nestor Colonia.
Swimmers Jessie Lacuna and Jasmine Alkhaldi will also have the same coach, while there will be one coach each for the marathon, golf, table tennis and taekwondo events.
Philippine Olympic Committee President Jose Cojuangco Jr. was around to see of the delegation off. He will be flying out to Brazil on Aug. 3.
The Philippine team is set to arrive at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, Brazil time.