LABING-ISANG miyembro ng National Masters & Senior Athletics Association of the Philippines (NMSAAP) ang sasabak sa World Masters Athletics Championships 2024 sa Gothenburg, Sweden sa Aug. 13-25.
Pangungunahan ni javelin thrower Danilo Fresnido, gold medalist sa 2016 at 2018 editions, ang Philippine contingent na dumating sa Gothenburg noong Aug. 10 para sa 12-day biennial competition para sa mga atletang 35 years old and above.
Ang iba pang miyembro ng Philippine team ay sina John Aguilar — 100m; Severino Alacar – 10 km road run & 5 km walk; Benigno Marayag – triple jump & long jump; Drolly Claravall – hammer throw & discus throw; Riezel Buenaventura – pole vault; Nhea Ann Barcena – half marathon; Judith Staples – pole vault & discus throw; Edward Kho – 400m; Brenda R. Zinampan – 100m, 200m, 80m hurdles; at Edward Obiena, ama ni EJ Obiena – pole vault at discus throw.
Ang mga atleta ay sasamahan ni Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) director Merly Ibay.
Sa pagbubukas ng kompetisyon ngayong araw, Aug. 13, sisimulan nina Staples at Zinampan ang kampanya ng Pilipinas sa women’s 100 meters dash, at Aguilar sa men’s 100m category events.
“The NMSAAP team is optimistic about their chances of securing medals, drawing confidence from their previous performances. However, they are also mindful of the challenges and uncertainties that come with competing on the international stage,” sabi ni Claravall, presidente ng NMSAAP.
Ang paglahok ng koponan ay inisponsoran ng PSC, Senator Bong Go, PSC commissioner Bong Coo, Wrist Pod, Asics, Lacoste, at Edobee Sports,Massiv Sports.
Ang 2024 championships ay tatampukan ng record na 8,000 atleta kung saan ang host Sweden ang may pinakamaraming entries na may 1,883 participants.
CLYDE MARIANO
