Tokyo Olympic-bound boxer Eumir Marcial (File photo)
MANILA — A businessman will provide the coronavirus disease 2019 vaccines for the national athletes as they return to action in a major manner this year.
Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) president Abraham Tolentino confirmed on Tuesday that business tycoon Enrique Razon Jr. will shoulder the inoculation of the Philippine team to the Tokyo Olympics.
“We would like to thank Mr. Enrique Razon for providing our Olympics-bound athletes with vaccines,” Tolentino said.
Razon, the owner of International Container Terminal Services Inc. and Bloomberry Resorts, earlier said he will bring in 20 million doses of Moderna vaccines.
Following a meeting with Tolentino, Razon assured that the athletes will be prioritized in the vaccination drive.
“Rest assured, our athletes would be protected from the virus as they escalate their training and preparation for Tokyo.” Tolentino added.
On the other hand, the incumbent Cavite congressman expressed optimism that the Tokyo Olympics will finally push through after a year of deferment due to the pandemic.
“I am a positive person. The Olympics will happen, the International Olympic Committee, and the host country [Japan] will make it happen,” Tolentino said.
He also said that he is bullish about the Philippine athletes' chance about finally claiming the elusive Olympic gold.
“The time is now,” said Tolentino. “I believe that we are in the best position to win that Olympic gold—not one, but more.”
At the moment, four athletes, pole vaulter Ernest John “EJ” Obiena, gymnast Caloy Yulo, and boxers Eumir Marcial and Irish Magno, have booked slots in the Tokyo Olympics.
The number could increase depending on how the other Tokyo hopefuls will fare in their Olympic qualifiers. (PNA)
