Hidilyn Diaz wants more lifters following in her footsteps. —FRANCIS T.J. OCHOA
LOS ANGELES—Hidilyn Diaz is giving back—yet again—to the sport that just recently gave her a fortune.
The 30-year-old Tokyo Olympics gold medalist is donating P1 million worth of equipment to Samahang Weightlifting sa Pilipinas (SWP) and Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), SWP president Monico Puentevella bared on Tuesday.
Puentevella, who is here as part of Manny Pacquiao’s team, said a formal hand over will be held in the next few weeks.
‘Grand gesture’
“Hidilyn wants the next breed of Filipino weighlifters to enjoy the fruit of her hard work,” said Puentevella. “It’s a grand gesture for somebody who already brought great honor to the country.”
This is not the first time Diaz has given back to the sport. the weightlifting queen had already put up her own gym back in her hometown Zamboanga City. There, upcoming stars like sisters Rosegie and Rose Jean Ramos, gold medalists in World Youth early this year, earned their starts.
Diaz has reportedly amassed P55 million in cash incentives apart from house and lot and condominium units from the government and corporate sponsors.
She also received vehicles from sponsors like Foton Philippines.
“She wants to help develop more lifters so we have a lot more of them to follow her footsteps,” Puentevella said.