Another P1M for 1st gold in Beijing

After Microsoft, Philippine Airlines and Manny Pacquiao comes Jimmy Ong, the owner of No Fear apparel who said he’s giving away P1 million to the Filipino athlete who wins the gold medal in the Beijing Olympics.

Julian Camacho, president of the Philippine Wushu Federation, made the announcement yesterday on behalf of Ong, a former president of the PWF.

“It’s one million pesos for an Olympic gold,” said Camacho, adding that the offer, however, will not cover any athlete who wins the silver or bronze medal for the country.

The latest addition raised the golden ante to P9 million, counting the one million each from software pioneer Microsoft, PAL, which is owned by business tycoon Lucio Tan, and Pacquiao, boxing’s multi-millionaire.

Under Republic Act 9164, otherwise known as the incentives act, a gold in the Olympics is worth P5 million, a silver P2.5 million and a bronze P1million.

The 15 Filipino athletes competing in Beijing will pay a courtesy call to President Arroyo on Aug. 1 or four days before they leave for the Summer Games.

Rep. Monico Puentevella, weightlifting president and chef-de-mission of the RP delegation, will accompany the athletes to the Palace, along with the top sports officials in the land.

Caltex, through Chevron, has also thrown their support to the country’s Olympic campaign, donating $80,000 to the POC for the Olympic preparation.

Caltex is also giving away P10,000 each in the form of Star Cash (a pre-paid purchase card) to all the Filipino athletes competing in the Olympics.

The petroleum giant has also pledged a three-year supply of Caltex products to the gold medalist and his/her coach; two years supply to the silver medalist and the coach; and one year for the bronze medalist and coach.  – Abac Cordero