12 Filipino athletes to carry nation’s colors at 2008 Beijing Olympics

12 of our finest Filipino athletes will be bringing honor to our country as they compete in five sporting events in the 2008 Beijing Olympics slated on August 8. Among the Olympic qualifiers are Mark Javier for Archery; Harry Tañamor for Boxing; Rexel Ryan Fabriga and Shiela Mae Perez for Diving; Ryan Arabejo, Daniel Coakley, Miguel Molina, Christel Simms and James Walsh for Swimming; and Taekwondo jins Tshomlee Go and Mary Antoinette Rivero and wildcard entry Eric Ang for Shooting.

“Our athletes are preparing twice as hard -- all of them are focused on showing the rest of the globe that the Filipino is world-class. Beyond the medals and honor they bring to the country, these athletes should be a source of inspiration for their passion, hard work and determination to be the best they can be. This is why Microsoft is committed to support them,” said Rafael Rollan, Managing Director, Microsoft Philippines.

Microsoft has joined forces with the Philippine Olympic Committee in Olympinoy, a campaign that aims to empower our Filipino athletes at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

Jose ‘Peping’ Cojuangco, Jr., President, Philippine Olympic Committee enthused, “We are optimistic about this year’s Philippine Olympic delegation. The Philippine team is made up of spirited individuals with the zeal to make the country proud. Whatever show of support the Filipino people can offer will definitely be an added boost for them.”

The Philippines’ history at the Summer Olympics began way back in the 1924 Summer Olympics in Amsterdam and the country has yet to capture the coveted Olympic gold. The last medal won by the country was way back in 1996 courtesy of light-flyweight boxer Mansueto ‘Onyok’ Velasco who got a silver medal at the Atlanta Olympics.