The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) confirmed on Monday (Aug. 21) that one of the six Paralympics athletes for the 2020 Tokyo Paralympic games tested positive for COVID-19.
In today’s Laging Handa public briefing, PSC Chairperson William “Butch” Ramirez said the athletes underwent two RT-PCR tests as a requirement of the Tokyo Olympic Organizing Committee. However, one tested positive.
“’Yung 6 na atleta at almost 10 officials at coaches ay nakaalis na kahapon at dumating na sa Japan, but before that the doctor in charge of the health protocols reported to us that may 1 positive [athlete],”he said.
Ramirez assured that the COVID-19 positive athlete is currently recovering from the disease.
He shared that the athletes have completed their vaccination and followed the health protocols during their training. However, Ramirez pointed out that they cannot control the spread of the virus.
“Bakunado na po sila (Paralympics participants) at naka-dalawang PCR tests sila as required by Tokyo Olympic Organizing Committee.”
Despite this, they are confident that COVID-19 case will not affect the performance of the five remaining Filipino para-athletes for their competition that will start on Tuesday (Aug. 25)
“I’m sure they will consider what happened to their colleague as a strong motivating factor to really come home with medals.”
Report from Kenneth Paciente/NGS-rir
