PCKDF head Uy: We’re focusing on Tokyo Olympics
NEWLY elected Philippine Canoe Kayak Dragonboat Federation ( PCKDF) President Teresita Uy vowed to step up the association’s focus on qualifying at least one of its athletes to the rescheduled Tokyo Olympics.
Uy made the vow following her election as the PCKDF head at the Century Park Hotel in Manila on Sunday with no less than Philippine Olympic Commitee (POC) President Rep. Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino gracing the exercise.
“We are waiting for the new schedule of the
Olympic Qualifying tournaments and from there, we could chart the program of our athletes,” Uy, 68, told Businessmirror after the elections.
Uy, a longtime PCKDF board member, said they are counting on 30th Southeast Asian Games 200-meter men’s singles gold medalist Hermie Macaranas and Ojay Fuentes as the association’s top bets for Olympic berths.
Also elected were vice president Almario Acosta, secretary general Joven Franzuela and treasurer Tomas Tamayo and board members Gregorio Galang, Arnel Gabutero and national coach Leonora “Len
Len” Escollante.
“That’s our ultimate goal—to qualify for the Olympics,” said Escollante, adding the federation intends to send its athletes to Tacloban for training amid the Covid-19 pandemic. “It’s going to be a tough process, to qualify, especially we’re still in lockdown. But we’re on track of our chances because of our programs.”
Olympic qualifiers for the sports are set from March to May, according to Escollante.
The PCKDF, Uy said it is also preparing for the Vietnam 31st Southeast Asian Games in November next year.
Joining Tolentino was Samahang Kickboxing ng Pilipinas Secretary- General Wharton Chan. POC membership committee chairman Bones Floro witnessed the elections.