As it hailed his performance in the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics, Malacañang on Saturday voiced hopes for more support for figure skater Michael Christian Martinez in his future competitions.
Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said Martinez’s showing at the Olympics should attract many in the private sector to extend more support for Martinez in the long road to the 2018 Olympics.
“Hindi biro ang training sa isang Olympics. Undeniably (his performance) will attract more attention for him and hopefully donors from the private sector will come (Preparing for the Olympics is no joke. Undeniably, his performance will attract more attention for him and hopefully donors from the private sector will come),” Valte said on state-run dzRB Radyo ng Bayan.
“It’s a long road to 2018 and we wish him the best of luck,” she added.
She also noted many private companies quietly gave their support at least for Martinez’s finances.
Martinez earned the respect and admiration of many when he represented the Philippines, a tropical country, in the Winter Olympics.
Valte also noted the Philippine Sports Committee extended support to Martinez as well.
“With the attention he has received and the heart he has shown everybody siguro mas ma-improve ang situation (With the attention he has received and the heart he has shown, we expect his situation to improve),” she said. PND (jl)