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INTERNATIONAL CANOE FEDERATION WON?T STOP PDBF FROM COMPETING IN SEA GAMES By Ronnie Nathanielsz PhilBoxing.com Wed, 10 Aug 2011  The secretary general of the International Canoe Federation has given an assurance that it will not prevent the Philippine Dragon Boat Federation from competing in the Southeast Asian Games in Indonesia this November. ICF secretary general Simon Toulson told the Inquirer ?we will not stop PDBF from the SEA Games participation? emphasizing that ?the ICF will not stop any athlete or team competing in any other competition. We believe in open play and fairness to athletes.? However, Toulson said should the ICF run an event or its under our rules ?the entries must come through the recognized International Canoe Federation member.? The secretary general pointed out that the position of the International Olympic Committee ?is binding to all NOCs in that the International Dragon Boat Federation is not recognized by the IOC.? However Toulson said ?we have no problem with teams competing in IDBF World Championships? but added that the ICF ?would also like them to participate in our World Championships which continue to grow.? On the question of funding being withheld by the Philippine Sports Commission based on the POC?s non-recognition of the Philippine Dragon Boat Federation following its refusal to be placed under the National Sports Association for Canoe-Kayak, Toulson noted that if an organization is not recognized by the POC ?then funding is often withdrawn.? He said ?we have seen this for Dragonboat in Ukraine, Italy and Canada to name a few countries.? Meantime, the Philippine Dragon Boat team that won 5 g old and 2 silver medals in the just-concluded International Dragon Boat Federation world championships in Tampa, Florida plan to request President Benigno Aquino III to help them regain their former NSA status. Head coach and PDBF secretary general Nestor Ilagan and Army Major Harold Cabunoc, the assistant team manager said they should regain NSA status and be entitled to all the privileges that had been taken away from them when the POC ruled that they be under the Philippine Canoe/Kayak Federation. Cabunoc claimed that ?Dragon boat is close to becoming an Olympic sport. There are already 70 nations and territories under the IDBF and the minimum to become affiliated with the IOC is 75.? Malacanang earlier praised the record-setting Philippine Dragon Boat team for its performance in the 10th IDBF World Championships. Presidential spokesman Edwin acierda said "The Philippine Dragon Boat Team has once again brought attention to the world-class talents of the Filipino people. We congratulate our Dragon Warriors for the discipline and strength they exhibited, bringing home five gold medals, two silver medals, and setting several new world records." Lacierda said ?Yet their achievements extend beyond the medals they have won or the records they have broken. Through their victory our Dragon Warriors have established themselves as an inspiration to their countrymen. Their success shows that if we work together as one country there is no goal we cannot reach.? Lacierda added ?we believe the Philippine Dragon Boat team will continue to bring honor to our country and that they will remain a sterling example of discipline and determination to the Filipino people as we steer the rudders of our ship of state toward communal and equitable progress.? Meantime, ABS-CBN reported that Senator Francis Pangilinan is asking the Senate's games committee to look into the process by which Filipino athletes are given support by the Philippine Sports Commission. Pangilinan said "It is unfortunate that we continuously hear about Filipino athletes performing superbly and displaying excellence despite the lack of government support." Emphasizing that concerned government agencies should provide "complete and unqualified support" to the Filipino athletes. Pangilinan and Senator Gregorio Honasan have also filed separate resolutions commending the Philippine Dragon Boat team. Pangilinan added "The Philippine Dragon Boat team has brought to our country honor and recognition by displaying superiority and excellence in the international competition. For that, they deserve no less than our respect and support." Click here to view a list of other articles written by Ronnie Nathanielsz.  |
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