Tokyo Olympic bound-gymnast Carlos Yulo (File photo)
MANILA – The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) is set to provide gymnastics sensation Carlos Yulo a major financial boost in his training for the Tokyo Olympics.
Gymnastics Association of the Philippines president Cynthia Carrion-Norton said on Thursday the PSC will hand out a huge sum of money to help fund Yulo's bid for Olympic glory.
"I received the board resolution. They're giving me PHP3 million," Norton said in the online Usapang Sports forum by the Tabloid Organization in Philippine Sports. "They said that they're still preparing it. I wish we will get the money soon."
Norton proposed to PSC's national training director Marc Velasco for a PHP4 million additional budget for Yulo's training.
Despite only getting 75 percent of her request, she still believes that Yulo will still get the remaining PHP1 million.
"Maybe they'll give us later. At least we have PHP3 million to start with," Norton said.
The need for additional funding came as Munehiro Kugemiya, Norton said, asked for PHP6 million to continue Yulo's training in Tokyo.
"Lots of work just for this gold medal," Norton said.
She added that she will also seek the help of San Miguel Corporation chief Ramon Ang and other business honchos for further financial support to Yulo, who has already got some help from Manny Pangilinan's MVP Sports Foundation.
Other Filipinos who already qualified for the Tokyo Olympics next year include pole vaulter EJ Obiena, and boxers Eumir Marcial and Irish Magno.
Team Philippines to the Tokyo Olympics chef de mission Nonong Araneta earlier said at least 86 athletes are training for the Olympics bid.
The country has yet to win an Olympic gold medal since it joined the world’s most prestigious sports meet in 1924. (PNA)
