ASA MILLER’S qualification in next month’s Beijing Winter Olympics is already a victory for the country, according to Team Philippines chef de mission to the Games Bones Floro.
“Surely, Asa will inspire other Filipinos to aspire for the Olympics,” Floro told an online news conference dubbed “Together on Ice” on Saturday. “We may only have one athlete this time, but already a huge win as Asa will be inspiring others to also achieve his level.”
Floro also thanked the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) headed by Rep. Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino, Bank of China, SM Supermalls, Philippine Skating Union, Philippine Ski and Snowboard Federation and The Embassy of The People’s Republic of China for their support to Miller’s campaign.
“Our country is relatively young in terms of winter sports, but with the achievements of the likes of Asa, continuous discoveries and cultivation of young athletes by Jim [Apelar] and Nikki [Cheng], and the world class ice facilities of the SM Supermalls, we are confident that many more winter Olympians are coming soon,” Floro said.
Apelar is Miller’s coach while Cheng is the president of the Philippine Ski and Snowboard Federation.
The Beijing Games set from February 4 to 20 is the second straight Winter Olympics for the 21-year-old Miller. The Filipino-American will compete in men’s slalom and giant salmon scheduled from February 13 to 16.
“Because we are a tropical country and we don’t have winter, to be able to join such a prestigious event is truly an honor for us all,” Cheng said. “In fact, the Philippines is the only country without snow that has been consistently sending snowboarders and skiers to the World Cup, World Championships and Olympics for the last 15 years.”