Adidas fund drive nets P1.4M for POC

Adidas Phils. has turned over P1.4 million in cash, part of the proceeds from its own fund-raising drive, to the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) as its contribution for Olympics-bound Filipino athletes.

The amount, handed over by Adidas Phils. to POC president Celso Dayrit in simple ceremonies at the Century Park Sheraton Hotel, was generated from the Adidas Sydney Olympic Odyssey program launched two years ago, in June 1998, in cooperation with the POC.

Under the program, for every purchase of any pair of Adidas shoes, P10 automatically goes to the athletes' fund, while the consumer gets a chance to win one round-trip ticket for two to Sydney, Australia with free accommodations for four days plus cash prizes and Adidas products.

Philip Go, Adidas managing director, said the biggest contribution of this pioneering sports program is being able to enjoin the entire nation to rally behind the athletes in their quest for the first-ever Olympic gold.

Dayrit, who accepted the donation on behalf of the Olympic-bound athletes and the national sports officials, expressed his appreciation for the noble gesture of Adidas in helping the athletes.

"It has not only made it possible for them to go to Sydney but also to win in Sydney," said Dayrit who predicted that the country might win its first gold this September.

"This year's the year. Don't be surprised if we win more than one gold," he pronounced.

Dayrit said the country pins its hopes to taekwondo and boxing.