More sports activities could be allowed to take place within the next two weeks. And this could take place once the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) finalizes its decision on the resumption of training activities for Tokyo-bound athletes.
Philippine Olympic Committee secretary general Ed Gastanes said this yesterday, following ongoing meeting with the Games and Amusement Board, the Philippine Sports Commission and the Department of Health.
“Inaantay na po natin ang pag-resume ng mga sports programs sa buong Pilipinas,” stated Gastanes in an online Zoom session of TOPS: Usapang Sports.
There is now a group discussion on how different sports events will be given the green light for their athletes to go into workouts, training and into competitions.
The health and safety protocols that are going to be implemented will be contained in joint administrative order that the IATF will release soon.
But, for now, the decision on the resumption of training activities for Tokyo-bound athletes is a priority.
The POC is finding out who among the national athletes are going to qualifiers in the coming months are still on track with their objectives.
There are eight more NSAs which have national athletes who still go through qualification competitions.
This includes those in swimming, athletics, judoka, karatedo, skateboarding, rowing, taekwondo and golf.
So far, there are five Filipino athletes who have so far qualified to compete.
Among those who can earn the country’s first Olympic gold medal in Tokyo next year are pole vaulter Ernest Obiena, gymnast Carlos Yulo, and boxers Eumir Marcial (men’s middleweight) and Irish Magno (women’s flyweight).
Then, there’s para swimmer Ernie Gawilan.
The PSC is currently preparing six facilities at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex (RMSC) in Manila City and the Philsports Complex in Pasig City.
These venues can be used for training once they have been disinfected.
