Philippines tracksters draw support from Japanese businessman

MANILA, Philippines — Recognizing the potential of Filipino athletic talent to excel given proper support, Tokyo Sports Press president Koji Hiranabe gave much-needed sports gear to national track and field athletes Frederick Ramirez and Harry Diones for their training and competitions.

In the presence of their coaches Jojo Posadas and wife Elma Muros-Posadas, a former national standout herself, Hiranabe awarded middle distance runner Ramirez and triple jumper Diones quality track shoes and other equipment to support their athletic careers.

“As a former sportsman myself, we realize how hard athletes work and prepare for their competitions. Hopefully these will help them to be better in their sport,” Hiranabe said through an interpreter during a recent visit to Manila.

Hiranabe, who admires former eight-division world champion and Pinoy boxing icon Manny Pacquiao, was on a business trip together with colleague and associate Hideyuki Suzuki, vice president of Todashoji Co. Ltd, upon the invitation of KG Management director Jun Basas Esturco.

“Malaking tulong ito kay Frederick and Harry sa kanilang training and competition. Hopefully, this is just the beginning of Mr. Hiranabe’s support for our local athletes,” Posadas, who has nurtured the development and progress of both Ramirez and Diones, noted.