POC books Paris training camp

Filipino athletes who will qualify for the 2024 Paris Olympics will get the chance to acclimatize way ahead of the opening ceremonies after the Philippine Olympic Committee yesterday said it has booked a low-cost training package.

"It's a bargain and it's affordable," said POC president Abraham "Bambol" Tolentino after the POC board approved the advanced Paris training program for qualified athletes during a meeting in Tagaytay City.

The POC said the daily rate is 65 Euros (P3,900/day) and the price includes complimentary breakfast, lunch and dinner as well as free training venue, medical and sauna.

The Paris Games take the spotlight from 26 July until 11 August.

The venue is situated near the banks of La Moselle in Paris, according to Tolentino.

He said that the POC could only come up with the total cost for the program until after the qualified athletes are known next year and early 2024.

"It could either be a one-month or two-month stay in Paris ahead of the Games, depending on when an athlete gets his or her qualification," Tolentino said.

The POC will advance the expenses but will reimburse the amount from the Paris Olympics budget of P100 million that was pegged by the Philippine Sports Commission.