In 2011, then Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) President Jose Cojuangco Jr. removed Philippine Dragon Boat Federation (PDBF) as a National Sports Association (NSA) because of an alleged "directive" coming from the International Olympic Committee (IOC). The directive, according to Cojuangco, instructs the POC to place PDBF under International Canoe Federation (ICF) and Philippine Canoe Kayak Federation (PCKF) to continue being a part of an NSA.
Now after seven years, the IOC categoricall denies issuing such a directive. Below is part of the letter of IOC regarding the matter :
The letter likewise states that dragon boat is not part of the Olympic program thus, IOC cannot be involved in the sport in any way.The IOC does not have a directive as we only recognise particular sport disciplines with respect to the Olympic Programme.- The Media Relations Team, IOC , March 29, 2018
It is now incumbent on POC President Ricky Vargas and his administration to give back to PDBF the recognition it truly and richly deserves. PDBF and its athletes have been denied of their opportunity to represent and bring pride and honor to the country for the past seven years despite their world - class achievements. It is only right that the new POC immediately serves justice to PDBF and its world champion teams. PDBF deserves nothing less than a reinstatement as an NSA by Vargas and company.
REINSTATE PDBF! OUR PRIDE AND HOPE!
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