IOC backs more PH athletes

Several more Filipino athletes will benefit from the scholarship program of the International Olympic Committee’s Olympic Solidarity Movement.

Philippine Olympic Committee first vice president Joey Romasanta said yesterday the IOC has initially approved the enrolment of more Filipinos in the program.

BMX rider and Asian Games gold medalist Daniel Caluag heads the initial batch of 14 Filipino Olympic scholars whose preparation for the Summer Games is being monitored by the IOC. They are all seeking to qualify for the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics.

“The OSM has agreed to support more Filipino athletes, including those competing in regional competitions,” said Romasanta.

He said elite athletes that will compete in the Southeast Asian Games and the Asian Games can now apply for OSM scholarships.

They have been receiving a monthly stipend of $500 from the IOC for training expenses.

Other OSM scholars: Swimmers Jasmine Alkhaldi and Jessie Khing Lacuna, taekwondo-jins John Paul Lizardo, Kirstie Elaine Alora, Kristopher Robert Uy and Christian Dela Cruz, boxers Eumir Felix Marcial and Irish Magno, golfers Clare Legaspi and Princess Superal, shooters Amparo Acuña and Hagen Topacio, canoeing’s Hermie Macaranas.