Lariba ipapasa kay Alora ang bandila sa opening ng Rio Games
MANILA, Philippines – Si table tennis player Ian (Yanyan) Lariba ang tatayong official flag bearer ng Philippine delegation sa parade of nations sa opening ceremonies ng 2016 Rio Olympics na nakatakda sa Aug. 5.
Sinabi ni chef de mission Joey Romasanta na si Lariba ay papalitan ni taekwondo jin Kirstie Elaine Alora sa paglampas sa VIP box para makaiwas ang table tennis player sa anumang muscle strain.
Kaagad sisimulan ni Lariba ang kanyang kampanya kinabukasan.
“Yanyan remains our official flag-bearer but Elaine will take over once we pass the VIP box and our delegation is announced,” wika ni Romasanta.
“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 kayang-kaya niyang buhatin ang Philippine flag sa oras ng parada.
“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,” ani Lariba. “I won’t strain myself during the parade.”
Ngunit ayaw ni Romasanta na magkaroon ng anumang injury si Lariba.
“Baka naman mangawit,” sabi ni Romasanta. “We won’t risk anything. She’s worked so hard to make it to the Olympics.”
Matapos ang pagdaan ng delegasyon sa VIP box ay kaagad papalitan ni Alora si Lariba bilang flag-bearer.
“I’m excited, of course,” wika 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.”
Nakatakdang bumiyahe ngayong gabi sina Lariba at Alora kasama sina Olympic athletes Marestella Torres, Jessie Lacuna, Hidilyn Diaz at Nestor Colonia para sa 25-hour at 25-minute trip sa Rio via Dubai.
- Latest
