Patafa eyes priority funding status

MANILA, Philippines – Philippine Amateur Track and Field Association is hoping to get included in the 10 priority sports which will be ensured of sufficient funding from the government.

With long jump queen Marestella Torres automatically qualified in the coming London Olympics, Patafa president Go Teng Kok yesterday said they are lobbying for priority funding for this year’s programs, which includes hiring two top-notch foreign coaches and sending athletes for long-term training abroad.

Go bared that he is talking to Philippine Sports Commissioner Jolly Gomez, who had earlier pledged help to convert the PhilSports field into an exclusive track and field stadium.

“We need to be included in the priority sports because for one, we are one of the three sports with most number of gold medals,” said Go.

A consistent gold medal earner in the SEA Games, Patafa laid out a P30 million plan for international events.

The PSC is set to deliberate which among the more than 45 sports are to be included in the priority list. The list will then be presented to no less than President Aquino for his final approval.

The Chief Executive had earlier directed the PSC to focus its resources to sports which has the biggest chances of winning in the international stage.