Rio qualifier Cray to tap backers

MANILA, Philippines - Fil-Am trackster Eric Shauwn Cray, the only Pinoy qualifier to the Rio de Janeiro Olympics so far, is in town to meet with sports officials and potential sponsors as he plots his training program for the 2016 Games.

According to Philippine Amateur Track and Field Association (Patafa) president Philip Ella Juico, the 26-year-old Cray will be in the country for one week before competing in the 15th IAAF World Championships slated Aug. 22-30 in Beijing, China.

One of the major items in the itinerary is meeting with potential contributors to the war chest needed by 400-m hurdles specialist Cray for his Rio buildup as well as for the bids of other aspirants like marathoner Mary Joy Tabal, pole vaulter EJ Obiena, and runners Mervin Guarte and Edgardo Alejan Jr. under Patafa’s “Project Olympic Dream” program.

“There’s a group of young executives and a big retailer that have expressed interest to assist Cray and other athletes that we’re hoping to qualify,” said Juico, who has already done initial talks with the prospective sponsors for a possible “tripartite agreement” for this endeavor.

Patafa has estimated Cray’s financial requirement at P300,000 a month leading up to the Rio Olympiad, covering things like vitamins, coach fee, training and competitions, as well as house rent considering he has to take a leave or quit his job in the US to train full time.

Cray, who traces his roots to Olongapo, is joined in this visit by his personal coach Damien Clark, whom the Patafa is recommending to be a part of the national coaching staff.

The 2015 Southeast Asian Games double gold medalist and record-breaker in the 400-m hurdles is set to pay a courtesy call on PSC executives today and discuss his preparations for Rio.

Cray will be staying and training at the Philsports Complex during this trip, according to Juico. The Rio-bound bet will leave for the world meet in China on Aug. 17.