Alora Philippine flag bearer din

MANILA, Philippines – Makakatulong ni table tennis player Ian (Yanyan) Lariba sa pagdadala ng bandila ng Pilipinas sa parada ng mga bansang kalahok sa 2016 Olympic Games sa Rio de Janeiro sa Agosto si taekwondo jin Kirstie Elaine Alora.

Bagama’t si Lariba ang  Philippine delegation official flag-bearer sa parade of nations sa opening ce-remonies sa Aug. 5, sinabi ni chef de mission Joey Romasanta na hahalinhan siya ni Alora pagkalagpas ng VIP box para hindi magkaroon ng muscle strain o anumang injury lalo na’t ang kanyang unang laban ay sa susunod na araw.

“Yanyan remains our official flag-bearer but Elaine will take over once we pass the VIP box and our delegation is announced,” sabi ni Roma-santa.  “Holding up the flag might put a strain on Yanyan and her competition starts the next day. Elaine won’t play until Aug. 20. We don’t want Yanyan to miss the opportunity of parading with our team, that’s an honor she earned.  I’m sure she’s excited to carry our flag.” Sinabi naman ni Lariba na hindi magiging mabigat para sa kanya ang flag.  “If the pole is made of wood, maybe it will be a little heavy but if it’s a light metal pole, I don’t think it will be a problem,” aniya.  “I won’t strain myself du-ring the parade.”

Ngunit gustong makasiguro ni Romasanta.

“Baka naman ma-ngawit,” aniya.  “We won’t risk anything.  She’s worked so hard to make it to the Olympics.”

“I’m excited, of course,” sabi naman ni Alora.  “It’s a privilege to hold up our flag at the parade.  I’m a first-timer like Yanyan so it’s a blessing to be given the honor of carrying our flag.”

Aalis sina Lariba at Alora ngayong gabi kasama ang iba pang Olympic athletes na sina Marestella Torres, Jessie Lacuna, Hidilyn Diaz at Nestor Colonia para sa 25-hour at 25-mintue trip patungong Rio via Dubai.  Pangungunahan ni Romasanta ang grupong binubuo ng 16-katao na kinabibilangan din nina coaches Joebert Delicano ng athletics, Archie Lim ng swimming, Kwon Mi Sook ng table tennis, Roberto Cruz ng taekwondo at Dondon Aldanete ng weighlifting, security officer Col. Jeff Tamayo at Abac Cordero, Ferdinand Brawner at Jerome Ascano ng secretariat.