Philippine Olympic Committee to hand-out free bikes to PH athletes

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

The Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) has decided to give out free bicycles for PH athletes training under the Olympic program.

Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, POC president Abraham ”Bambol” Tolentino came out with the effort to make sure that their athletes are practicing social distancing during traveling while maintaining their fitness at the same time.

“National athletes who do not have a personal mode of transportation will surely benefit from this. Bicycling is not only a healthy way to get from one point to another, it also promotes social distancing, not to mention a means to avoid traffic,” said Tolentino who is also the president of the national sports association for cycling.

Tolentino is set to sign the approval of the POC board regarding the release of 100 bicycle units to be given to the athletes.

After the athletes were forced to evacuate from their respective places during the outbreak of COVID-19, the POC began to find ways to allow athletes an easy and mobile mode of transportation.

Not only would bikes be eco-friendly, it would also help with their physical fitness.

“We need to be innovative, so the POC is looking for ways to allow our athletes to stay fit and ready for competition once the situation allows it,” added Tolentino.