Signed, sealed, and delivered.
Hidilyn Diaz, the country’s first-ever gold medalist in the Summer Olympics, has already received the cash incentive promised to her by the MVP Sports Foundation.
A total of P10 million was already deposited to Diaz’s personal account yesterday, a day after she arrived from Tokyo.
MVPSF wasted no time in making Diaz enjoy the fruits of her labor. After all, Diaz had been away from home for one-and-a-half years as she trained and lived in Malaysia to prepare for the Tokyo Games.
“Thank you so much, Sir MVP (Manny V. Pangilinan), Sir Al (S. Panlilio), and Sir VPV (Victorico P. Vargas). Thank you for your support with Team HD. Thank you also for the trust and confidence,” expressed the 30-year-old Zamboanguena during an hour-long Zoom call with MVPSF officials.
Since 2011, MVPSF has been supporting national athletes through the National Sports Association, with regard to overseas training, personal allowances, and other expenses.
Diaz’s Gold Medal run in the minus-55kg category of the 2020 Olympics Weightlifting Tournament was the moment the whole Philippines has been waiting for.
“We all cried when you lifted the 127 kilograms,” shared MVPSF President Panlilio.
“We are very proud of you for winning our first Olympic Gold. You are now part of Philippine sports history. We’re hoping for more golds this Olympics. The rest of the Philippine team competing were really inspired by your performance,” expressed Panlilio.
MVPSF Chairman Pangilinan added that the foundation is planning to send Diaz’s family to Manila so they could be with the Olympian, who is currently in mandatory quarantine in the Sofitel Hotel.
“Your parents are in Zamboanga right?” asked Pangilinan. “Maybe we can have the entire family here. We’ll take care of the plane fare and accommodation,” he offered.
Upon hearing Pangilinan’s proposal, Diaz could not help but be emotional, expressing her gratitude to MVPSF for their unwavering support for her throughout the years.
“When I was really down and struggling, you did not forget to help me. Thank you so much for your support. When we ask for help, you are always there for me,” expressed Diaz.
“We look forward to seeing you personally. Thank you HD.” MVP concluded.