Dear Mr. Lopez,
Greetings.
I am sure that you know by now what happened to the Philippine Dragon Boat Team. The team, which won 6 gold medals in your world championship in Italy, was unjustly disbanded by the Philippine Olympic Committee, Philippine Sports Commission and Philippine Canoe-Kayak Federation led by its president Jonne Go and head coach Len Escollante. The team was disbanded after hurling corruption charges against Go and Escollante.
No less than the Commission on Audit came up with a report saying that PCKF has unliquidated cash advances amounting to Php 783,200.00. The report substantiates the charges of the dismissed team about the mishandling of public funds by PCKF officials.
What I find totally shocking and utterly unacceptable is ICF's refusal to help the dismissed Philippine Dragon Boat Team. The team asked for ICF's help in resolving the crisis but to this day, ICF has not extended any assistance to the team. It is deplorable that after insisting that ICF must be the governing body of dragon boat as a sport and instructing our sports leaders to place the team under PCKF, you turn a blind eye on a scandal such as this.
ICF's inaction on the scandal is so irresponsible and shows lack of an iota of concern for a world champion team like the Philippine Dragon Boat Team.
Yours,
Eric F. Dimzon
By my count this is the second World Championship team disrupted by the actions of the PCKF. For years the PDBF had success until the PCKF usurped their funding and now this. Very sad for the athletes who dedicate themselves to try and win glory for the Philippine nation.
ReplyDeleteBob McNamara, USA Premier Coach
Very true Sir Bob. Thank you for sympathizing.
ReplyDeleteEric, it saddens me to read this. The PCKF should be the ones held accountable for such and incredible act. The athletes are the ones that suffer the most and I truly hope there is a way to see a representative team from the Philippines in Poland at the ICF World Championships. You have a wonderful program and it is an honor to have raced side by side with the Philippine National Team.
ReplyDeleteYour friend in sport,
Mike Blundetto
Dragon Boat USA Head Coach
Thank you for your concern Sir Mike.
ReplyDelete