By Peter Atencio
THERE is a need to release equipment and uniforms that will be needed by national athletes when they prepare and leave for the 32nd Southeast Asian Games in Cambodia.
Philippine Olympic Committee president Abraham Tolentino said this following a dinner-fellowship meeting with Philippine Sports Commission chairman Richard “Dickie” Bachmann on Wednesday evening
Tolentino has asked has asked Bachmann to have the gear needed by national athletes be made available for them, with four months to before the games officially begin on May 5.
“They need to have equipment released, instead of leaving them for a long time in storage,” said Tolentino after he met with Bachmann for the second time since his appointment last December 28.
Tolentino described the meeting as an amiable one, and would help improve the relationship between the POC and the government sports agency.
“This will be the start of a good relationship between us,” said Tolentino.
Tolentino met with Bachmann and commissioners, days before he leaves for Paris this weekend.
The POC is settling unfinished business in France, as they continue to negotiate and finalize a deal in their effort to get an all-in, advanced training package for Filipino athletes, who will qualify for the Paris 2024 Olympics.
The POC Executive Board recently created a program for qualified athletes, who may leave early for Paris to stay there and train.
The POC seeks to put up a base camp, where the members of the national delegation can have free breakfast, lunch and dinner, a free training venue, an available doctor, medical and sauna specialists when they get there at least a month before the Olympiad.