The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business
The Integrated Cycling Federation of the Philippines (PhilCycling) is sending 15 athletes to the 29th edition of the Southeast Asian Games (SEAG) in Malaysia.
Carrying the national colors in the tournament slated to be held in Kuala Lumpur on Aug. 19-30 are Jerry Aquino Jr., George Oconer, Mark John Lexer Galedo, John Renee Mier, Marcelo Felipe, Oranza Ronald Nozuelo, Rustom Lim, Boots Ryan Cayubit, Dominic Perez and defending women’s champion Marella Salamat (road event); Mervin Barnachea and Kristian Emmanuel Reyes (track event); and 2014 Asian Games gold medalist Daniel Patrick Caluag, Christopher John Caluag and Sienna Elaine Fines (BMX).
Aquino said in a recent interview with Sports Radio that he was thankful for the opportunity to compete again in the SEA Games.
“Hindi ko po sasayangin ang chance na muling nabigay sa akin (I was given another chance and I will not waste it),” said Jerry, whose father is former Tour veteran, Jerry Aquino Sr.
The young Aquino, who is currently a member of the Go for Gold club team, promised to do his best if given a good position during the race in the SEA Games. He and Perez are the team’s sprinters and they are expected to carry the fight in the bunch sprint.
“Itotodo ko ang lahat ng lakas ko basta maihatid kami ni Dominic Perez ng mga ka-teammate namin (Dominic Perez and I will do our best to keep the lead with the help of our teammates),” said Jerry, who placed seventh in the 2015 Asian Cycling Championship in Thailand.
Jerry also said that the team’s morale is high because the players have developed camaraderie during training sessions.
“Buo po kami kahit iba-iba ang club namin. Isang pamilya po kami sa training at sa dorm namin. Mahalaga ito dahil ang cycling ay team sport (We are one even though we came from different clubs. We are one family during training and at the dorm. This is important because cycling is a team sport),” said Jerry, who was a former member of 7-Eleven RBP and LBC MVP club teams.
The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) has approved PHP86.7 million for the participation of 700 athletes, coaches and officials in the SEA Games. The amount will cover airfare, hotel, allowance and uniforms (parade and competition).