Hidilyn Diaz donates P1 million worth of weightlifting equipment to grassroots

August 26 ------ Hidilyn Diaz will donate P1 million worth of weightlifting equipment to the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and the Samahang Weightlifting ng Pilipinas (SWP) for the grassroots development of the sport. Diaz, who made history as the first Filipino Olympic gold medalist, told Rappler on Wednesday, August 25, that she is partnering with Stronghold Athletics, where she will source the equipment. "Para sa introduction ng sports, para sa gusto magstart ng weightlifting, kailangan magstart on something," said the 30-year-old from Zamboanga. "Hoping maibibigay ito sa mga wala pang [exposure sa] sport ng weightlifting sa LGU nila."

According to Diaz, she hopes that weightlifting will soon be a part of major grassroots events in the country like the Palarong Pambansa, which is organized by the Department of Education and PSC. Weightlifting is only be played in the Philippine National Games (PNG). "It’s been my dream na para maipasok sa Palarong Pambansa [ang weightlifting] and for me, it’s my way to contribute to the community, hoping na may marami na magstart ng weightlifting with these equipment," added Diaz.

Aside from providing equipment from her Tokyo Olympic gold medal purse, Diaz plans on supporting coaching education for local mentors and help out with the grassroots weightlifting programs. "Sana mabibigyan din ng learnings and coaching education sa mga coaches para magcoach sa mga bata. Kasi kung gusto nating palawigin ang sports, we need to send out equipment, we need to educate the coaches, we need to have continuous programs," said Diaz.

Source: rappler.com