The Philippine Olympic Committee (POC), with the help of Procter and Gamble (P&G) Philippines, kicks off the journey of the country’s contingent to the London 2012 Olympic Games with warm wishes and inspirational messages at the Grand Send-off ceremony held at The Blue Leaf on the 25th of June, 2012.

With the valuable support of Olympic partners ICTSI, Bank of the Philippine Islands, Mizuno and Samsonite, as well as backing from Petron, Smart Sports, PRC, SportsCore and Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), the event contributed greatly to the motivation and excitement of the athletes who were grateful for the encouragement.

Gracing the event were top sports officials from the POC and PSC, NSA presidents, past Olympians, coaches, athletes’ family members and sponsors of the Philippine delegation, brought together by their desire to support the country’s finest athletes as they compete in the world’s most prestigious athletic competition.

“The most important thing is for our athletes to do their best and show the heart and determination that is present in every Filipino. Our focus is to show the world that we have the makings of champions and that we are unyielding and steadfast in achieving our goals.” said Mr. Jose “Peping” Cojuangco, President of the Philippine Olympic Committee.

Among the Olympians present were boxer Mark Anthony Barriga, runner Rene Herrera, long-jumper Marestella Torres, swimmers Jessie Khing Lacuna and Jasmine Alkhaldi, shooter Paul Brian Rosario and weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz.

The other members of the 2012 Philippine Olympic Team who were not present because they are training outside the country are cyclist Daniel Manabat Caluag (currently in the US) and Judo athlete Tomohiko Aldaba Hoshina (currently in Japan).

Their moms were, the greatest cheerleaders of the Olympians as they pursued their dreams of Olympic gold. Yet the day’s event went beyond honoring the Olympic delegates as it also recognized the loving mothers behind these athletes’ success.

“P&G’s mission is touching and improving all people’s lives – and what better way to do this during the Olympic year than to honor mothers, who were the very first to see the heroes and champions in our athletes and in all of us, whose love and support helped us to believe in ourselves and our dreams,” explained Mr. Chad Sotelo, P&G Country Marketing Manager.

With this goal in mind, P&G launched its “Thank you Mom” campaign, which seeks to inspire everyone to pay tribute to their own moms and acknowledge the many sacrifices they’ve made to help us become who we are today.

“To our athletes, we wish you the best of luck in the 2012 London Games. In our eyes, you are already winners and we are sure that you will make the country proud,” Sotelo said.

“And to their moms and all Filipino moms, thank you for the love and sacrifice you’ve shown daily that helped create these world-class athletes, and that helped raise everyday heroes. P&G continues to be one with you in your effort to provide the best for your children and your families.”

[The winners of the recently-concluded Miss World Philippines 2012 graced the event in support of the 2012 Philippine Olympic Team]

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