‘Sulit ang sakripisyo ng Philippine Army-Bicycology Shop’ -- Buhain
HINDI biro ang sakripisyo ng ng isang atleta, higit ay bahagi ng Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
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‘They soldiered on,” pahayag nu Eric Buhain.
“I would like to offer a big salute to our brothers from the AFP, it’s a great honor to watch them in action outside the war zones. Here’s a fervent hope to see more of our soldiers in sports doing what they do best, winning.”
Kabilang si Buhain, multi-titled national at Olympic swimmer, sa nagbigay ng suporta sa Pinoy riders, sa pamiamagitan ng kanyang Bicycology Shop.
“It’s not that much, our sponsorship of the Armymen, but we gave them our full belief and moral support in the races. Watching our fellow Filipinos cheering for them during the races through the countryside of Luzon is another major win.
“Bicycology will be with them again next year, and hopefully we can get more partners to support not only our brave Army but also the other divisions of the AFP. We believe in honouring our soldiers and recognizing their dedication and sacrifices to this country more through sports,” pahayag ng dati ring Chairman ng Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) at Games and Amusement Board (GAB).
Nagbigay din ng kanyang papuri si John Garcia, business partner ni Buhain sa Bicycology Shop, kasabay nang pangako na muling sumuporata sa layunin ng Army na makamit ang titulo sa susunod na taon.
Tanging si Pfc. Cris Joven sa eight-man Army-Bicycology Shop team member ang nakapanlo sa Ronda nang pagharian ang Stage 3 sa Pagudpud, ngunit pawang naglaan ng kanilang suporta at ayuda sa ratratan sina Sgt. Alfie Catalan, Sgt. Merculio Ramos, Jr., Pfc. Marvin Tapic, Sgt. Alvin Benosa, Sgt. Reynaldo Navarro, Cpl. Lord Anthony Del Rosario at Pfc. Kenneth Solis para masiguro ang runner-up finish sa team classification.
“Saludo ako. Sa simula pa lamang yung adhikain ng Philippine Army ay nakatuon sa pagbibigay ng dangal sa kanilang kapwa Armymen, karamihan ay napasabak sa mga kaguluhan sa Mindanao kabilang sa Marawi City.
“Grabe, bawat stage, talagang lumalaban. You can’t imagine how they endured sacrifices and hardship just to win the runner-up in team classification,” said Buhain.
“Lahat nag-contribute. Pfc. Marvin Tapic sobra ang pain na tinanggap pero para sa team kahit sugat sugat na at black and blue all over and scratches na ang lalalim, pero he still fought for the team up to the last moment sa Stage 11 when another mishap happened during the race,” sambit ni Buhain.
“Ang tindi rin ng support ng Army sa team thru Col. John Divinagracia kasi coordinated sa battalion commanders sa bawat bayan. Dami sundalo cheering our team sa road. Galing!,” aniya.
“After the Stage 10, alam namin sa Navymen na ang trono. We immediately congratulated them. Pero, sabi ko sa team, kahit hindi na natin mahahabol yung individual title, laban pa rin tayo para sa overall team classification,” pahayag naman ni Joven.
