RP tracksters welcome tough challenge from Fil-Ams

Hoping to acclimatize before the 2004 National Track and Field Invitational Championships unwraps on June 1, nine California-based Fil-Am track and field athletes arrive today at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

Headed by delegation leader Jim Apelar, the Fil-Ams, under the "Philippine Overseas Team" banner, are Gary Cablayan, Kashus Perona, Deborah Samson, Rose Supangan, Jenny Buncio, Breanne Bumanlag, Krizia Apelar, Gabe Cabrera and Kim Ramirez.

The Fil-Ams entry into the tournament bankrolled by the Philippine Sports Commission has elicited positive comments from established SEA Games stars Ernie Candelario, John Lozada and Arnel Ferrera who yesterday said foreign opposition offers a big challenge to their individual capabilities.

Gold medallists all in their respective events, Candelario, the winner in the 400-m in the 2001 and 2003 editions, said the competition from foreign players will keep him wary about his personal chances.

"Dito rin ako na-discover kaya malaki ang maitutulong ng mga kalaban from other countries, laluna from America. Masusukat ko kung may improvement pa sa aking susunod na mga laro…palagay ko mahigpitan ito," said the Ilonggo-born runner whose vast experience will come into play when the tournament unwraps next Tuesday at the Rizal track oval.

The bulky Ferrera, who also successfully defended his 2001 hammer throw title in Vietnam last December, said he is looking forward to stiffer contests every year.

"Gusto ko ma-improve ang performance ko…magagawa ko lang yan pag mas malakas ang mga kalaban. Malaking exposure para sa akin dahil gusto ko ring marating ang Olympics…kaya depende talaga sa preparasyon," Ferrera, said.

Lozada, the 800-m winner in the 2001 Kuala Lumpur tournament and the 1500-m champion in Vietnam, echoed the duo’s sentiments. "Mapapanood ng ating mga kababayan ang laro kaya I will do my best na manalo. Gusto ko ring ma-improve ang rekord para maging standard din ng mga susunod sa akin," he said.