Atin Ito | Ontario’s First Filipino Community Newspaper – Trusted News and Stories for the Filipino-Canadian Community Atin Ito is Ontario’s first Filipino community newspaper, delivering trusted news, stories, and updates for Filipino-Canadians. Stay connected with your community.
MANILA – The Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) will seek financial support for the national men’s curling team following its historic win at the 9th Asian Winter Games in Harbin, China.
It was the Philippines’ and a Southeast Asian country’s first ever gold in the quadrennial Games.
The squad, composed of siblings Enrico Gabriel and Marc Angelo Pfister, Christian Patrick Haller, Allan Beat Frei and Benjo Delarmente, defeated South Korea, 5-3, in the final on Feb. 14.
“They are paying for their expenses every time and it’s not a joke. So we really need that financial support to sustain their journey to the Milano Cortina Winter Olympic Games,” POC chair Abraham Tolentino said at the team’s media presentation in Tagaytay City on Sunday, referring to the qualifiers the team is scheduled to participate in.
Under Republic Act 10699 or the expanded Sports Benefits and Incentives Act, the team will receive a PHP2 million incentive.
“We would like to thank everyone here for helping and supporting us in this journey. It’s a great testament to show that we, as a tropical country, can play the sport and make success,” the 45-year-old Haller, a former Swiss national player, said.
“That’s something new for us, a great opportunity to represent the Philippines in the Olympics or in the world. We are Filipinos, and we’re very proud of it,” added Marc Pfister, whose wife Jessica coached the team.
The Philippines defeated world No. 10 Japan, 10-4, in the qualification round; and No. 17 China, 7-6, in the semifinal.
The Filipinos had a 4-1 win-loss record in the elimination round, their only defeat coming from the South Koreans in their very first match, 1-6. — Jean Malanum (PNA)
*****
Credit belongs to: www.pna.gov.ph
