Hidilyn Diaz knows that her path to Olympic glory could not have been made possible without the backing of a lot of extraordinary individuals.
One of those whose support for her never wavered despite the triumphs and the heartbreaks is the MVP Sports Foundation.
Since 2011, the MVPSF has supported athletes like Diaz with their overseas trainings and their allowances just so the country can finally get that Olympic gold.
And in her fourth Olympic appearance in Tokyo, Diaz finally got the monkey off of the country’s back, winning gold in the weightlifting competition.
It would not have been possible without the support received by Diaz that began when she was still a 20-year-old upstart in Zamboanga.
“Maraming salamat po sa MVPSF, kay Sir MVP, at kay Sir Al Panlilio. Thank you so much po sa binigay na tiwala ninyo sa amin, sa Team HD at sa akin,” said the soft-spoken 30-year-old native of Zamboanga.
“Hindi ko po ito makakamit without your support. Thank you so much po sa binigay niyo na tiwala at suporta.”
For her achievement, she is set to receive P10-million from the foundation.
Equally grateful is MVPSF chairman Manny V. Pangilinan to Diaz as the weightlifter will be an inspiration to the next generation of athletes the foundation will support.
“We knew it was a tough journey for you, but every step is now well worth it.
“You have our continuing prayers and support albeit, at the end, it is you who does the heavy lifting. Tonight, you carried the nation on your shoulders. A huge thanks,” said the sportsman.
