Beach volley Olympic bets need funds

Heidi Ilustre and Diane Pascua, the gorgeous Fil-American pair hoping to bring honor to the country in the world of beach volley, will soon launch their bid for a slot in the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

Where to get the money to spend for their campaign, however, is the big question.

"We just don’t know where to get the money," said Filipino banker Tonyboy Liao, who’s quietly assuming the financier’s role for the two head-turners who won the bronze medal in the 2005 Manila SEA Games.

"We don’t know where to get the assistance. The local volleyball association does not have the money to fund their campaign although they are among the chosen athletes for the RP Olympic team," added Liao.

There are 18 qualifying tournaments lined up for the Beijing Olympics. Granting that a pair competes in all legs, only their top eight finishes will count. The top 24 teams after the qualifiers will make it to Beijing.

"Heidi and Diane, who are both based in the US, have already missed the opening leg in Shanghai, China. And there are two more coming up in Singapore and Seoul, Korea. They can’t afford to skip these legs," said Liao.

The Singapore leg is set May 21-27 while the Korea stop is set May 29-June 4. There are only three qualifying legs in Asia, and the rest will be staged mostly in Europe where it’s more expensive.

Liao went to the US last February to visit the pair of 5-foot-10 players who attracted a big following when they competed in the 2005 SEA Games in Bacolor. It was their first stint as members of the RP team.

"They liked playing for the country," added Liao.

Otherwise, the road to Beijing will be a bumpy one for this lovely beach volley pair.