Filipino athletes led by Tokyo Olympic aspirants from boxing, taekwondo and karate were given a virtual orientation by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) on safety protocols set for the bubble training at the Inspire Sports Academy recently.

“We called for this meeting to emphasize the safety protocols you will be needing for this Olympic training bubble. I am confident that we can all adjust to this, but know that your safety is paramount to the PSC,” said PSC Commissioner Ramon Fernandez, who along with Chef de Mission Nonong Araneta led the online briefing.

“I just want to reiterate that your safety is paramount in this bubble training. I wish all of you the best for your qualifiers so that we can bring more glory to Philippine sports,” said CDM Araneta in his welcome speech.

Strict protocols crafted by the agency’s Medical Scientific Athletes Services (MSAS) Unit will be observed by the 46 athletes and coaches inside the bubble facility in Calumba, Laguna this month.

“Athletes will undergo a series of RT-PCR testing. Prior to entry, upon entry, and several testings during the bubble training,” said MSAS Unit Head Dr. Randy Molo.

This is why he encouraged everyone to restrict movement 14 days before entry, and restricted interactions 7 days prior to their entry in the bubble facility, “from today, everyone must reconsider all the places and people they will be interacting with.”

Delegates will be subjected to another round of RT-PCR tests inside the facility, and will be billeted in isolated rooms. Results are to be relayed by the COVID Enforcement Team, headed by MSAS’ Dr. Janis de Vera. “Athletes and coaches will be billeted in single and double occupancy rooms, with pick-and-go scheme in food distribution all throughout the bubble,” said de Vera.

Philippine Sports Institute National Training Director Marc Velasco added that the MSAS Medical Unit, Rehabilitation Unit, Strength and Conditioning Unit, Sport Massage Unit, Sports Physiology, Sports Nutrition and Sports Psychology Unit will be available to serve the Olympic hopefuls via live and virtual consultations. “The PSC is here for your needs as we work to keep the integrity of the bubble.”

“Our boxing team is scheduled to arrive on January 15, with the Taekwondo and Karate teams on January 16 and 17 respectively. All travel orders are also being arranged by the agency,” added Velasco.

Inspire Sports Academy Head of Sales JM Pilares and his team were also present in the meeting and briefed the national athletes on house rules, available amenities and other useful information inside the venue. “We at Inspire are honored and excited to host our national team in preparation for the Olympics.”

Last December 15, the IATF approved the recommendation for the resumption of training for the national team qualifying for Tokyo Olympics.