Olympic savings fund PSC repairs

THANKS to the minimal cost of sending a lean delegation to the Olympics, the Philippine Sports Commission can upgrade the dormitories and facilities used by the national athletes.

PSC chair Richie Garcia yesterday said he would seek a realignment of the savings from the budget earmarked for the expenses of the 11 athletes to the London Games so the sports agency could use them for the facilities’ repairs.

The PSC allocated P30 million for the training and participation of the athletes for the July 27 to Aug.12 Olympics, but Garcia said only half of the amount would be spent.

Once they get the go-signal from the Department of Budget and Management, Garcia said the agency would devote the P15 million to refurbish the athletes’ dormitories and other facilities.

“We’ll use the money for the improvement of facilities, dormitories and other projects not included in the (PSC) budget,” said Garcia.

Many of the athletes’ dormitories are located within the Philsports complex in Pasig City while some are situated at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex and the PSC-operated training facilities at Teacher’s Camp in Baguio City.

About P13 million have already been spent for the 11 Olympians.