PSC begins relief drive for athletes in 'Odette'-hit areas

The PSC is readying the help it will provide to the athletes in areas devastated by Typhoon Odette. Philippine Coast Guard (file photo)

By Dugout Philippines

MANILA--Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Chairman William “Butch” Ramirez gave instructions over the weekend to organize relief efforts for members of the national team severely affected by typhoon Odette. The PSC management committee, led by PSC Executive Director Atty. Guillermo Iroy Jr. met Monday to finalize the logistics for the care package.

“This is a force of nature that we cannot control. However, we can do our share to help them get through this. We will do all we can with the resources available,” Ramirez said.

The PSC has been monitoring the situation of the members of the Philippine National Team affected by typhoon Odette which ravaged the Visayas and Mindanao region late last week.

“We are closely keeping track of the situation of our athletes. There is quite a number affected like in Bohol where Samahang Weightlifting ng Pilipinas (SWP) has a small gym which was washed-out in the reports we received.” Ramirez added.

Iroy is leading the charge of efforts, connecting with the Armed Forces of the Philippines for the transport and delivery of goods like mattresses and water bottles.

Odette, which has an international name Rai, is the 15th typhoon to hit the Philippines this year. According to Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAG-ASA), Odette weakened slightly from a Category 5 to a Category 3 storm after making a landfall Thursday on Siargao Island.

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