SEA Games: House leader hails archery phenom Andrea Robles

By Ellson Quismorio

Cavite 4th district Rep. Elpidio Barzaga has moved to commend Filipina archery phenom Andrea Robles, whom he has called the country’s best hope in finally earning an Olympic gold medal.

“Andrea Robles, the 21-year-old Bachelor of Science Management graduate of Ateneo de Manila University has proven that one does not need to be a Filipino American to be an elite athlete,” said Barzaga in House Resolution (HR) No.547.

“It is hereby resolved for the House of Representatives to congratulate and commend Andrea Robles and the Philippine Sports Commission and other appropriate agencies to provide adequate financial assistance to Andrea Robles and other potential Olympic players in order to prepare them properly for the next Olympic Games scheduled on 24 July, 2020 in Tokyo, Japan,” he said.

Earlier this month, Robles made waves at the Macau Indoor Archery Open by beating highly-regarded foes Xu Lumeng of China, Natalie Duncan of Australia, Sarah Prieels of Belgium, and Paige Pearce of the United States en route to winning the gold medal.

The “Pinay Hawkeye” is set to participate in the upcoming Southeast Asian Games to be held in the country.

“As shown by the sterling record of Andrea Robles, she has the best potential to win the first Olympic Gold Medal which Filipinos are longing for from the time the Olympic Games started way back in 06 April, 1896 held in Athens, Greece,” reckoned Barzaga, chairman of the House Committee on Natural Resources.

He said that Robles and her fellow elite Filipino athletes deserve the financial support from the government considering the pride and glory that their victories bring to the Philippines.

Barzaga also noted how costly sports training, the procurement of equipment, and the actual participation in competitions can get.

“From the time she took up archery in 2013, her parents have already spent over One Million Pesos (P1,000,000.00) in airfare and travel expenses, over One Million Pesos (P1,000,000.00) in equipment, over One Million Pesos (P1,000,000.00) in training and coaching expenses,” he said.

“All her equipment are solely financed by her parents and through the kindness of US Coach Mel Nichols who introduced her to the owner of Flex Fletch that provides her with free fletches,” he added.

“Despite these difficulties, Andrea Robles have brought, pride, joy, honor and glory to our country and should be commended,” the House leader further said.

Some Filipinos are still smarting over Wesley So’s victory at the inaugural World Fishcer Chess Championship wherein he beat World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen. Although the 26-year-old grandmaster was born in Cavite, he won the tournament under the US flag.

Source: Manila Bulletin