PSC chairman William "Butch" Ramirez showing his support to our national athletes during the 30th Southeast Asian Games. |
MANILA—PSC chairman Butch Ramirez is heaving a sigh of relief that none of the Filipino sportsmen has been tested positive for the novel coronavirus COVID-19 as of present.
"As of now, I am thankful that no athlete, coach or [PSC] employee has reported positive of the COVID-19," Ramirez said on Monday. "We hope it stays that way."
With COVID-19 now widespread in many provinces in the Philippines, especially Metro Manila, many sporting events from domestic to international scales have been called off.
Last week, the ASEAN Para Games and the Badminton Asia Championships were postponed indefinitely.
Earlier Monday, the Philippine Basketball Association extended the break it imposed on the teams regarding practices.
[Related Story: PBA stretches break on team practices as COVID-19 continues to haunt PH]
Despite the postponements, Ramirez assured that the PSC is monitoring the local athletes and its employees.
“We are on lockdown, but we try our best to keep updated of our athletes' and employees' status,” he continued, adding that the PSC just placed "virtual offices" for the said monitoring.
But as to when the competitions will resume, Ramirez admitted that the government will have a say on it.
“I understand the goals and dreams of the organizing committee, but in this national crisis, it would be the government’s advice or decision which will be heeded since there are other factors which need to be considered,” he explained.
In spite of the waiting game, the athletes remain optimistic that they will get to play sports again.
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