PHILIPPINE Olympic Committee (POC) president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino strengthened the country’s ties with the global sports community in the XXVII Association of National Olympic Committees (ANOC) General Assembly in Cascais, Portugal, last Wednesday.
Tolentino also met with International Cycling Union president David Lappartient and discussed further about the Philippine connections with the world governing body for cycling.
“It was again a fruitful meeting with Mr. Lappartient as our discussion revolved mainly about our sport, cycling,” said Tolentino, who had an extensive meeting with Lappartient in a testimonial dinner during the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Tolentino and Lappartient are both leaders of their national Olympic committees (NOCs) and cycling national federations.
The ANOC Awards 2024 highlighted the gathering at a packed Estoril Congress Center with the organization honoring top athletes, best-performing NOCs and sports leaders.
ANOC president Robin Mitchell of Fiji led the activities with International Olympic Committee (IOC) president Thomas Bach making his farewell message, inspiring the more than 400 sports officials in the assembly.
Bach urged the 206 countries-strong ANOC delegates to seize the opportunities offered by new technology and particularly artificial intelligence and he thanked the NOCs for their support.
“You have a special place in his heart,” he said.
Tolentino also praised Bach for his outstanding 12-year tenure.
“The Olympic Movement was well under the care of Mr. Bach,” Tolentino said.
Bach is stepping down after a 12-year tenure as IOC president with Lappartient having filed his candidacy to replace the German as leader in the elections in March.
