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By Ruben D. Manahan 4th Reporter
THE Philippine Canoe Kayak
Federation is planning to send five athletes to a pre-Olympic
qualifying tournament in Kamatsu, Japan on May.
Federation President Dr. Sim Chi
Tat said those being considered for the Japan event are Jeremiah
Tambor (canoe singles), Norwell Cajes and Danny Funelas (canoe
doubles) and brothers Alex and Alvin Generalo (canoe doubles).
National coach Lenlen Escolante
has been instructed to prepare the athletes for the Olympic
qualifying tentatively set May 17.
“I told Escolante to keep
honing our athletes for not only for the Olympic qualifying but also
for future tournaments,” said Sim. “Aside from the Olympic
qualifying event, we can also qualify through wildcard.”
This year, the PCKF is
reorganizing its national program to attract more potential talents
despite financial difficulties.
PCKF Secretary-General Jonne Go
claimed the last time the Philippine Sports Commission extended
financial assistance to the PCKF was February last year.
“The PSC gave us P138,000 last
February for boat repair,” said Go. “After that none of our
funding requests has been approved.”
But for the love of sport and his
association, Sim gave his assurance to support the athletes in
bringing glory to the country.
The PCKF needs P3 million for the
implementation of its programs this year, including the national
team’s stint in Japan.
“We will do everything it takes
to raise P3 million for the association,” said Sim. “I’m
hoping God will help us.”
“I’m also praying that the
PSC will help us. Canoe-Kayak has the third most number of medals at
stake in Olympics, Asian Games and SEA Games after athletics and
swimming,” Sim concluded.
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