More in store for POSF ‘Sweet 16’

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Obstacle Sports Federation found a very good way to sweeten the pot for its 16 athletes that delivered medals during the recent Southeast Asian Games.

Dubbed by POSF president Atty. Al Agra as the “Sweet 16,” the Filipino obstacle sports entries swept all six golds that were staked in the sport’s SEAG debut.

Twelve of them brought home gold medals, four in individual events and eight in team relay events, while three others bagged silvers and one a bronze.

Each gold medal was worth at least P750,000 through cash incentives from President Duterte, the Philippine Sports Commission and Philippine Olympic Committee, a silver around P250,000 and bronze P160,000.

But Agra, who wears other hats other than being the POC general counsel, thought of other ways to give back to the athletes.

“Regardless of color, whether it’s gold, silver or bronze, they will each receive the equal amount of P325,000 but not necessarily in cash,” said Agra.

Each medalist, he said, will receive P125,000 each to cover life insurance, accident insurance and critical illness. The remaining P200,000 will come in the form of a business package.

“Pang negosyo (For business),” added Agra.

“Some have thought of putting up a sari-sari (convenience) store, an obstacle gym or water-filling stations. We are now requiring them to submit their business proposals. Then they will undergo retail business seminars,” he said.

The president of the Asian OCR Federation and treasurer of the World OCR Federation said it doesn’t stop there because he’s also looking at providing POSF athletes continuing education.

“I’m looking at future studies in coaching, fitness, physical education and therapy. We are preparing the guidelines for this,” said the law professor at Ateneo.

“As SEA Games medalists they have become heroes, models and targets for those wanting to take their place. But foremost, it’s the accountability that in everything they do and don’t do, it will reflect on themselves, the entire federation (POSF) and me,” said Agra.

Making up the “Sweet 16” are Kevin Pascua, Mervin Guarte, Rochelle Suarez, Sandi Abahan, Nathaniel Sanchez, Jeffrey Regino, Diana Buhler, Klymille Rodriguez, Kyle Antolin, Kaizen dela Serna, Monlito Divina and Denna Moncada (gold), Mohammad Managil, Milky Terajes and Glorien Mersco silver, and Mark Roldenas bronze.

This early, POSF athletes are preparing for a world event in Russia and an Asian event in China for 2020.

“We’re also hoping to make it to the Palarong Pambansa, the Batang Pinoy and Philippine National Games and even the UAAP or NCAA,” Agra added.

There’s a lot in store for Filipino obstacle racers – on and off the course.