PATAFA’s Kamustahan

Earlier today, the Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association (PATAFA) had its monthly “kamustahan” with the athletes and members of the sports media. Led by PATAFA President, Dr. Philip Juico, the sportswriters were updated on news, goings-on and projects with the athletics NSA (National Sports Association).

Guests were the 2019 SEA Games gold medalists Christine Hallasgo for women’s marathon, Melvin Calado for javelin throw, Sarah Dequinian for Heptathlon and two-time SEA Games gold medalist in decathlon, Aries Toledo.

The association did away with the usual how are you’s to the athletes. Dr. Juico updated the athletes on their allowances and informed them of the athletics training camp starting November wherein, if the present situation continues to pervade then the athletes will be training in a “bubble”. Juico assured the athletes that everything will be taken care of.

The athletes’ mental health will be taken into consideration considering the duration of the camp which will last for 30 days. Venue will be at the De La Salle University sports complex in Canlubang, Laguna.

The National Open in December will hopefully push through as scheduled. Dr. Juico will be advise our Filipino-American athletes to stay in the US due to the fluidity of the situation due to the outbreak and the logistical challenges of flying them halfway across the world to compete.

Dr. Juico ended the virtual press conference by telling our athletes, “Do whatever you can, with whatever you have wherever you are.”