Arroyo to meet Filipino Olympic bets Aug. 1
By Marc Anthony Reyes
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 04:06:00 07/25/2008
MANILA, Philippines—President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo will meet the 15 Filipino athletes hoping to strike gold in the coming Beijing Olympics on Aug. 1 in a sendoff ceremony at Malacañang.
After the courtesy call on the President, Olympic chief of mission Rep. Monico Puentevella said the athletes will attend the 6 p.m. First Friday Mass at the Brent Gym inside the Philsports Arena in Pasig City where they will be joined by the rest of the 31-man delegation to China.
Ms Arroyo has earlier confirmed her attendance at the opening ceremony on Aug. 8 to provide moral support to the athletes who will compete in seven events.
“It is going to be a big plus for the athletes to be personally cheered on by the President,” said Puentevella.
Though small in size, the RP delegation will fly to Beijing in batches, with lone shooting bet Eric Ang and archery contestant Mark Javier going ahead of the team on July 31.
The two and members of the secretariat led by Moying Martelino will represent the country during the flag-raising rite at the Olympic Village on Aug. 4.
Puentevella, flag-bearer WBC lightweight champ Manny Pacquiao, the swimmers, divers, track and field bets, boxer Harry Tañamor and weightlifter Heidilyn Diaz will consist the main bulk that will leave on Aug. 5.
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