9 youths chase Olympic dream

MANILA, Philippines - The nine-man RP delegation to the inaugural Youth Olympic Games in Singapore vows to give its best in its effort to give honor to the country despite high-powered opposition in the meet.

Seven of the nationals were formally presented Tuesday in the weekly PSA Forum at Shakey’s UN Avenue by RP chef de mission Mark Joseph together with Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) president Jose “Peping” Cojuangco and Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) chairman Richie Garcia.

Leading the Philippine contingent is world weightlifting champion Patricia Llena, swimmers Jasmine Alkhaldi and Jessie Lacuna, taekwondo’s Kirk Barbosa and cagers Cris Michael Tolomia, Jeron Teng and Michael Anthony Pate.

Rising tennis star Jeson Patrombon and basketball’s Bobby Ray Parks Jr. were the only ones who failed to attend the session.

Llena, 16, who bagged three gold medals in the World Sub-Junior and Junior Powerlifting Championships last year in Sao Paulo, Brazil, was named the RP flag bearer for the opening ceremonies of the Aug. 14-26 meet.

Then again, not even her presence could guarantee the country a medal of any color in the 13-day event for athletes 14-18 years old.

“It’s hard to predict medals in the Olympics,” said Joseph, also president of the Philippine Aquatics Sports Association (PASA) in the forum presented by Outlast Battery, Pagcor, Accel and Shakey’s.

“But what I find distinctive in this group is that they’re in their age when they begin to realize that their dreams can come true. The enthusiasm, the passion to compete is there. Rest assured that we will do our best and perform well.”

A total of 205 countries will see action in the meet that features a select group of 3,600 athletes around the world competing in 26 Olympic events.

“Looking at that alone, we should be proud of these young men and women who are but part of the crème de la crème of athletes around the world,” Joseph added.

The rest of the Philippine contingent who also appeared in the session are coaches Mon Jose (basketball), Leonard Llena (weightlifting), Roberto “Kitoy” Cruz (taekwondo) and Pinky Brosas (swimming).

Barely a week in his post as head of the country’s sports funding agency, Garcia said his office is more than willing to lend its hand to the country’s participation in the Games.

The PSC chairman added he’s currently waiting the budget for the entire delegation as Joseph has yet to submit it in his office.

Barbosa, at 15 years old, is the youngest member of the delegation, while three members of the 3-on-3 cage team came from well-known basketball clans – Parks is the son of former many-time PBA Best Import winner Bobby Sr., Teng is one of two playing children of one-time PBA star Alvin, while Tolomia is the younger brother of former PBA player Chester.