SUPPORT FOR ATHLETES. Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna poses for a photo with the city's athletes and coaches who participated in the Cebu City Palarong Pambansa at the Century Park Hotel on Monday (Aug. 12, 2024). The city government awarded cash incentives worth PHP685,000 to 95 athletes and 52 coaches. (Photo courtesy of Manila PIO)
MANILA – Athletes and coaches from Manila received cash incentives worth PHP685,000 from the city government for their participation in the annual Palarong Pambansa in Cebu City last month.
Mayor Honey Lacuna turned over the incentives to 95 athletes and 52 coaches and assistant coaches at the Century Park Hotel in Malate on Monday, the Manila Public Information Office said in a news release Tuesday.
In her brief message, Lacuna hoped that the city would be able to produce another Olympic champion such as Carlos Yulo, who headlined the Philippine campaign in the Paris Olympics by bagging two gold medals in gymnastics.
Among the awardees was Yulo's younger sister, Elaiza Andriel, who was named the Most Bemedalled Athlete in girls' artistic gymnastics.
The Yulos live in nearby Leveriza Street.
Lacuna vowed continued support for the city's athletes and more programs to help them excel in their fields.
Team National Capital Region was overall Palaro champion for the 17th straight year after collecting 98 gold, 66 silver and 74 bronze medals.
The Palarong Pambansa is a multi-sport event involving grade school and secondary student-athletes not only from 17 regions of the country but also from the National Academy of Sports and Philippine schools overseas.
Launched in 1948, the sports event is organized and governed by the Department of Education. (PNA)
