It’s good to know that we have someone that does not only believes in us (athletes) but who also is there to support us in every aspect.

JOHN Chicano says a support system is vital in any athlete’s journey. ROMAN PROSPERO @tribunephl_RRP

Filipino medalists in the just-concluded 30th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games lauded the contributions of the private individuals in helping them perform well in the biennial meet.

New SEA Games men’s triathlon champion John Chicano said having a solid support system is one of the keys for the athletes to excel here and international stage.

“It’s good to know that we have someone that does not only believes in us (athletes) but who also is there to support us in every aspect,” said Chicano during the victory party arranged by Go for Gold to the national athletes who they supported in the biennial meet.

“Just imagine if Go For Gold was not here, I think we can’t bag these many medals. We really have a great support system in them,” he added.

Out of 387 medals that the Philippines bagged in the 11-nation conclave, 46 were accomplished by athletes backed by Go For Gold.

And no less than Jeremy Go, the vice president for marketing of Powerball Marketing & Logistics Corporation, who feted these heroes in a victory party Friday night at the Acero Hall, Marine Barracks in Taguig City.

“There’s nothing more rewarding than to see our athletes succeed in international tournaments such as the SEA Games,” Go said.

“With hard work, desire and perseverance, the have once again made the country proud,” he added.

Aside from Chicano, Margielyn Didal, triathlete Kim Remolino, kickboxers Jean Claude Saclag, Gina Iniong and Jerry Olsim, wrestlers Jason Baucas and Noel Norada and paddler Hermie Macaranas to name a few were supported by Go’s group in the 30 November to 11 December event.

The 20-year old Didal won two golds while Remolino finished second to Chicano in triathlon.

Saclag, Iniong and Olsim ruled their respective weight classes in the kickboxing events while Baucas (72kg) and Norada (63kg) ruled their respective weight categories in the Greco-Roman competition.

We really have a great support system in them.

Macaranas won the gold in the men’s singles 200-m race for the country’s first gold in the sport and had two silvers in the men’s singles 1000m and men’s 200m along with partner Ojay Fuentes.

Go For Gold also supported the national sepak takraw team, which won two golds three bronze medals, and canoe-kayak and dragonboat team, which copped a total of five medals.