GMA to cheer archer, shooter in opener

BEIJING – President Arroyo and a handful of business and government executives are expected to be on the spectators’ stands as a shooter and an archer debut on the Olympic stage today at the start of battle in various venues inside and outside the Chinese capital.

Philippine chef de mission Monico Puentevella said the President, who joined world leaders in witnessing the lavish opening ceremonies yesterday, had extended her China visit for another day to watch the first day of action in shooting and archery where Eric Ang and Mark Javier will be having their baptism of fire.

She and First Gentleman Mike Arroyo are scheduled to leave for Manila tomorrow.

Ang and Javier skipped the opening ceremonies to focus on their events on orders of their coaches.

Philippine Olympic Committee president Jose Cojuangco yesterday met the two Filipino athletes and wished them good luck.

Puentevella also gave a pep talk to the athletes who are seeking to end a medal drought after eight years and hoping to land the elusive gold since 1924.

“We’re ready to go,” said an upbeat Puentevella, who is confident Ang and Javier would move beyond the elimination round in their events.

“They have a tough task at hand, but I’m sure they will go there to play their best despite the overwhelming odds,” said Cojuangco, who arrived the other day.

Ramirez said he’s “hoping and praying that Team Philippines will reap the benefits of a long training which our sports heroes have undergone.”

With the President and other government officials watching at the sidelines, Ang starts the ball rolling for the 15-man RP team when he goes up against the world’s perfect shooters at 9 a.m. at the Beijing Shooting Range for a place in the six-man finals of the trap shooting competitions.

Over at the Olympic Green Archery Range, Javier will also make his Olympic debut at 2:30 p.m. as he joins 63 other bets seeking to maximize their scores in the ranking round, which will determine the seeding in the elimination round to start Aug. 15.

While they expressed optimism over a decent finish on their first appearance in what is considered the ultimate battleground in sports, Javier and Ang will have the added advantage of having the President and other government officials cheering every step of their performance.

Among those expected to join the President are Cojuangco Jr., Puentevella, Ramirez and his commissioners, Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim, Sen. Gringo Honasan and Manila businessmen who had accompanied the Chief Executive on her three-day state visit in China.