RP soccer team in search of air fare for tourney

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines –Members of the Special Olympics national soccer team from this city have what their trainers say is a strong potential to bring glory to the Philippines when they compete with other teams from 18 Asian countries next month.

But with barely a month to go before the Oct. 26-31 Special Olympics soccer tournament in Dili, Timor Leste, parents and trainers of the team are in a frantic search for the P610,000 air fare and allowances for its eight members, two coaches and a national head of delegation.

“We solicited [money] from various government agencies and private organizations but we were able to raise only P7,400 so far,” Marie Palaruan, a parent helping solicit funds for the team, told the Inquirer.

She said Easter College gave them P5,000 while Mayor Mauricio Domogan gave P1,500. At least P900 was pooled from various donors.

“We are now banking on Sarangani Rep. Manny Pacquiao to help [pay for] the team’s air fare to Dili and other expenses,” said Palaruan.

More : Inquirer.net