By Kristel Satumbaga

Government sports facilities are being considered as temporary medical facilities as the country fights for the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, PSC chairman Butch Ramirez said Sunday.

Inside the entrance of the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex (Phisgoc release)

Ramirez said the Department of Public Works and Highways are assessing the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex in Vito Cruz, Manila and the Philsports Complex in Pasig City on how they can be used was affected cases in the country continue to rise.

Specific venues being considered are the Multi-Purpose Arena and the track oval at the Philsports Complex, the Rizal Memorial Coliseum, Ninoy Aquino Stadium and Rizal Baseball Stadium.

All these venues have been previously used as evacuation centers, warehouses, and repacking centers for relief goods during calamities.

“These times call for unselfish patriotism. These times call for everyone to be heroes, even. Let us step up to the plate, so to speak. This is us, the sporting community stepping up to bat,” said Ramirez in a statement posted on the PSC’s social media accounts.

The Department of Health will first approve of these venues based on requirements. If approved, the venues would help with decongesting the hospitals.

Athletes and coaches have already been advised to go home prior to the Enhanced Community Quarantine two weeks ago, although around 30 athletes and coaches failed to do so and were left at the Philsports Complex dormitories.

Senior Executive Assistance and National Training Director Marc Velasco, however, assured the safety of these athletes and coaches especially when the plan to use the venues as medical facilities takes place.

Source: Manila Bulletin

By Reuters

The owner of NBA team New York Knicks, James Dolan, has tested positive for coronavirus (COVID-19), the Knicks said in a Twitter post.

New York Knicks owner James Dolan (AFP Photo/Maddie Meyer / MANILA BULLETIN)

The Madison Square Garden Company Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Jim Dolan has tested positive for coronavirus. He has been in self-isolation and is experiencing little to no symptoms. He continues to oversee business operations.

— NY_KnicksPR (@NY_KnicksPR) March 29, 2020

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Dolan has been in self-isolation and is experiencing little to no symptoms and he continues to oversee business operations, Knicks added.

Source: Manila Bulletin

By Agence France-Presse

Japanese star Naomi Osaka says she’s disappointed not to compete at the Tokyo Olympics this year but supports the decision to postpone the event to 2021.

Naomi Osaka of Japan  (Photo by GREG BAKER / AFP)

The 22-year-old former world number one said on Twitter Saturday that she thinks the event will be better for moving to next year in the wake of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

“Sport will eventually unite us again and be there for us always, but that time is not now,” Osaka wrote.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and the International Olympic Committee agreed to postpone the Olympics after athletes worldwide expressed concern about trying to stage the spectacle amid so much uncertainty.

“Everyone knows how much the Olympics means to me and how proud I will be to participate in my home country. Of course I’m disappointed that it won’t happen this year,” Osaka said.

“But we’ll all be ready to go stronger than ever in 2021! I support Prime Minister Abe’s brave decision and the IOC 100%.”

Osaka, the 2018 US Open and 2019 Australian Open champion, asked the Japanese people to stay strong.

“This is the time for people from all countries, backgrounds and races to rally together to save as many lives as we can,” Osaka said.

“To me that’s the Olympic spirit.”

Source: Manila Bulletin

By Kristel Satumbaga

Support continued to pour in the wake of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic as sports officials, doctors and volunteers lend a hand to those in need.

Lani Velasco, President of Philippine Swimming, Inc. (MB File Photo)

The Philippine Sports Commission recently donated hundreds of mattresses for health workers and volunteers including 120 through Philippine Swimming Inc. president Lailani Velasco.

In her social media post, Velasco thanked the government sports agency and said that all 120 mattresses were distributed to Barangay Tanods and health workers from Medical Center Manila, Emilio Aguinaldo College Medical Center Cavite, Fe del Mundo Medical Center and Capitol Medical Center.

Dra. Susana P. Campos, Immediate Past Medical Director of Medical Center Manila, also expressed her gratitude to the PSC through a formal letter.

Velasco shared the letter to the PSC.

“The health workers in these institutions have opted to stay in-house, to conform with quarantine requirements and avoid the transportation difficulties. These mattresses will provide the exhausted frontliners some physical comfort when they have their rest periods,” the letter said.

“Once again, we are all very grateful. We pray that we will overcome this crisis soon.”

Apart from this, 100 mattresses were also donated to the University of the Philippines Genome Center volunteers who are setting up a testing center.

The volunteers decided to share half of the donation to the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM).

Source: Manila Bulletin

By Nick Giongco

Hall of Fame promoter Bob Arum is looking forward to the day when boxing gets back on its feet.

IBF super-flyweight champion Jerwin Ancajas, left, and Hall of Fame promoter Bob Arum at the Wild Card Boxing Club in Hollywood in this file photo. (Nick Giongco)

With all major events, sports and otherwise, on hold owing to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, Arum is eagerly awaiting the resumption of activities.

The Top Rank chief, who is 88 years old, was all set to stage two major events in April featuring Filipino world champions.

Jerwin Ancajas was supposed to risk his International Boxing Federation super-flyweight crown on April 11 at the Cosmopolitan Hotel.

Two weeks later at Mandalay Bay, John Riel Casimero, the World Boxing Organization bantam ruler, was penciled to wage war with World Boxing Association and IBF titlist Naoya Inoue in what was expected to be a firefight and sure Fight of the Year candidate.

Speaking to the Manila Bulletin, Arum could not even give a hint as to when boxing is going to wake up from its comatose state but guaranteed that he will prioritize the “postponed events as soon as we get the all clear.”

Some other boxing promoters believe everything should get back to normal by August but others are not that optimistic with October as the more likely bet.

But there are those who say the pandemic could wipe out everything planned for 2020.

Still, despite the conditions, there is hope that the fight game will rebound strongly.

Cases in point are Ancajas and Casimero.

The two remain in training mode: Ancajas in Cavite and Casimero in Las Vegas.

“The instruction is for them to keep in shape so they can easily get back to training camp when this is over,” said US boxing man Sean Gibbons, who represents the two premier punchers.

Arum, who also promotes Tyson Fury, Terrence Crawford, Vasyl Lomachenko and many of boxing’s rising stars, isn’t biting when told if there is a possibility that Top Rank can resume doing shows as early as August.

There was just a curt reply.

“Hopefully.”

These are indeed extraordinary times.

Source: Manila Bulletin

By Nick Giongco

After testing negative using a COVID-19 rapid test kit imported from Korea, Sen. Manny Pacquiao Saturday  vowed to look for more help elsewhere as he intensifies efforts to help contain the spread of the coronavirus in the country.

Manny Pacquiao (Nick Giongco)

“Kahit naka-home quarantine, patuloy po akong maghahanap ng paraan upang makatulong sa ating mga kababayan, lalo na sa ating mga magigiting na frontliners,” said Pacquiao in a statement.

“Marami pa pong test kits at medical supplies na darating na magagamit ng ating mga health workers sa buong bansa. Magkakaroon din po ng allocation ang DOH Regional Centers sa Visayas at Mindanao.”

On Friday, more than 50,000 medical supplies, mostly test kits, arrived from China courtesy of Pacquiao’s friend, Chinese billionaire Jack Ma.

Pacquiao, 41, was not on site when the shipment was released by the Bureau of Customs as he has decided to remain in his Dasmariñas Village home and observe strict quarantine procedures given that he was among those who came close contact with Sen. Koko Pimentel.

That event, however, took place in Pacquiao’s residence on March 4 and attended not only by political bigwigs but a few recognizable names in the society circle as well.

Still, Pacquiao opted to stay indoors starting March 24 and he even underwent testing using a kit that came from Korea.

“Nalulungkot po ako na may mga kasamahan ako sa Senado na positibo sa Covid-19. Dahil nakasalamuha ko sila, alam ko na ako ay considered as Person Under Monitoring o PUM,” said Pacquiao, referring to Pimentel, Senators Sonny Angara and Migz Zubiri.

Still, Pacquiao insists there is no reason to be concerned owing to the negative result of his test.

“Huwag po kayong mag-alala. May natanggap po akong Rapid Testing Kits mula sa aking mga kaibigan sa South Korea. Gamit ang rapid test kit na approved sa Korea, ako po ay nag-negatibo. Hindi pa approved ng FDA dito pero yon po ang ginagamit sa Korea.”

Pacquiao said that he won’t subject himself to testing until he shows symptoms of the coronavirus.

“Matagal na po akong hinihikayat na magpa-test sa RITM ngunit naniniwala po kasi ako na marami tayong Persons Under Investigation o PUI na dapat unahin pagdating sa testing.”

“Nais ko pong ipaalam na sa kasalukuyan wala po akong nararamdaman na anumang sintomas. Ibang usapan na po kung meron akong kakaibang nararamdaman sa aking katawan. Once I experience symptoms, I am willing to undergo the swab testing for the sake of my family and my country, but I will go through the regular procedure.”

Pacquiao, boxing’s only eight-division champion, likewise received medical supplies from his Korean contacts a few days ago to assist the government in fighting the disease that claimed 30,000 lives worldwide.

Source: Manila Bulletin

By Jonas Terrado

Alaska coach Jeffrey Cariaso has started the process of handing out funds to PBA personnel who are affected by the suspension of games due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Alaska coach Jeffrey Cariaso (PBA Images)

Cariaso said Saturday the drive has already surpassed the target amount that will be donated to each personnel through help from 42 players, coaches and other members of the PBA community.

The former PBA star didn’t reveal the amount collected but he earlier said the fundraising project is aimed at giving those affected a two-month salary.

“Regarding the PBA Non Regular Employees Fund Raiser, I’m happy to announce that with the help of 42 generous donations from players, coaches, friends, team managers, a team owner, and a whole team, we have surpassed the goal set,” Cariaso tweeted.

“Thank you very much to those who helped out in this endeavor to take care of those close to us. The process to transfer funds has begun, and we have reached out to almost half of them already,” he added.

Regarding the PBA Non Regular Employees Fund Raiser, I’m happy to announce that with the help of 42 generous donations from players, coaches, friends, team managers, a team owner, and a whole team, we have surpassed the goal set.

— Jeff Cariaso (@thejet_22) March 28, 2020

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Cariaso began raising money shortly after the PBA decided to halt the games due to pandemic and the subsequent implementation of an “enhanced community quarantine” by the government.

The postponement has affected PBA personnel who rely on game days to earn a living.

Numerous PBA personalities have made efforts to help those in need since the quarantine started in mid-March.

Barangay Ginebra San Miguel’s LA Tenorio is leading an effort participated by players to aid those in the production crew of network carrier TV5.

His teammate Japeth Aguilar and wife Cassandra and San Miguel Beer’s Terrence Romeo have launched their own endeavor to donate medical supplies to medical workers.

Magnolia’s Marc Pingris, on the other hand, is leading a group of PBA players who will compete in an esports event to raise money for the University of the Philippines Medical Foundation.

NLEX’s Kiefer Ravena, Rain or Shine’s Ryan Arana, Ginebra’s Raymond Aguilar and even suspended Phoenix cager Calvin Abueva also made simple contributions to help the frontliners.

Source: Manila Bulletin

By Waylon Galvez

Despite the postponement of the Tokyo Olympics due to COVID-19, Rio Olympics silver medalist Hidilyn Diaz remains focused on training to stay in shape and ready once action resumes with international tournaments.

Hidilyn Diaz  (MB File Photo)

Diaz is in Kuala Lumpur for a training camp since mid February as part of her preparation for the Asian Championship.

The International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) decided to postpone the Olympic Qualifying Tournament (OQT) after Kazakhstan backed out as host and Uzbekistan begged off.

Early this week, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and IOC chief Thomas Bach agreed to postponement the Tokyo Olympics this year for 2021.

View this post on Instagram

Not being able to train and stuck at home quarantine has been very difficult for me. But I must stay proactive and find ways to keep me moving. Doing incline sprints in the parking lot together with coach @imjulius during the Lockdown in Malaysia. Don’t forget to stay active by finding ways to train at home or at a secluded parking lot/roof top, take vitamins, eat healthy food, and stay hydrated with @summitwaterph .

A post shared by Hidilyn Diaz OLY (@hidilyndiaz) on Mar 24, 2020 at 4:47am PDT

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“Not being able to train and stuck at home quarantine has been very difficult for me,” she said on her post via account @hidilyndiaz on Instagram while doing an incline sprint with strength and conditioning mentor Julius Naranjo in a parking lot in KL.

“But I must stay proactive and find ways to keep me moving.”

At the moment, Diaz said they are staying in an AirBNB.

Source: Manila Bulletin

By Kristel Satumbaga

Grandmaster Joey Antonio drew with Rolzon Roullo in the 11th and final round and then edged FIDE Master Sander Severino via tiebreak to rule the Cesar Orbe Memorial Cup Chess 960 blitz done on online application chess.com recently.

GM Joey Antonio

The 58-year-old Antonio, a 13-time national champion, finished undefeated with eight wins and three draws to top the one-day event that drew a total of 197 participants.

Among Antonio’s victims were International Masters Daniel Quizon and Paulo Bersamina and FIDE Master Arden Reyes.

Severino, a four-gold medal winner in the 2018 Asian Para Games in Jakarta, Indonesia, made a good account of himself and almost pulled off the victory before settling for a runner-up finish.

Roullo ended up tied for third with GM Darwin Laylo with nine points apiece but the former took No. 3.

The meet was organized by National Chess Federation of the Philippines executive director Cliburn Orbe with an aim of helping popularize the sport introduced by the late great world champion Bobby Fischer and Filipino legend Eugene Torre.

Chess 960, or originally called Fischer-Random, also produced its first world champion in Wesley So, who was born in Cavite but is now living and representing the United States in international events.

Source: Manila Bulletin

By Agence France-Presse

Tennis world number one Novak Djokovic said Friday he will donate one million euros ($1.1 million) to help his native Serbia buy respirators and other gear to combat the coronavirus (COVID-19).

Novak Djokovic of Serbia signs autographs after his men’s singles match against Denis Shapovalov of Canada at the ATP Cup tennis tournament in Sydney on January 10, 2020. (Photo by William WEST / AFP, File)

The player was speaking in a video conference from the southern Spanish city of Marbella, where he and his family are currently hunkering down under nationwide lockdown orders.

“Our donation is for the purchase of life-saving respirators and other sanitary equipment,” said the tennis star.

Normally based in Monaco, the family’s stay in Spain is “a pure coincidence”, according to his spokesperson.

The 32-year-old said he was working on keeping a “positive spirit” and enjoying the family time with the tennis season thrown into chaos by the pandemic.

The men’s ATP and women’s WTA Tours have been suspended until June 7, with the French Open postponed and Wimbledon facing possible postponement or even cancellation.

“I don’t remember spending so much time with my family since I became a father,” added Djokovic, who declined to discuss tennis matters and told reporters he was passing time by reading a book on the “history of the Serbs”.

He also said he plans to start “posting physical exercises I do in our apartment on social networks”.

Djokovic thanked China for sending several shipments of medical equipment and doctors to Serbia, where they are now helping guide Belgrade’s COVID-19 strategy.

Seven people have died and more than 450 are known to be infected with the respiratory disease among Serbia’s seven million population, according to authorities.

“I thank China from the bottom of my heart on behalf of myself and the entire nation,” he said.

Source: Manila Bulletin