Onyok Velasco Reveals He Received No Rewards from Winning Silver Medal in 1996
1996 Atlanta Olympics silver medalist Onyok Velasco revealed that he allegedly did not receive any rewards promised to him after winning.
In an interview, Mansueto ‘Onyok’ Velasco, a silver medalist in boxing at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, expressed his hope that Hidilyn Diaz, the Philippines’ first Olympic gold medallist, will receive all of the promised rewards, including more than P40 million, a house and lot, and other items. When Velasco won the silver medal in 1996, various individuals promised him a prize, but not all of them were fulfilled.
It is rumored to include P2.5 million in funding from Congress. A businessman offered him a lifetime allowance of P10,000 each month, but he stopped after only a year, according to the former Olympian.
“Yung kay Hidilyn, sana matupad lahat para hindi lang si Hidilyn, yung iba pang gustong maging athletes na kabataan, magpursige rin na ganun pala kalaki yung mga ibinibigay,” Velasco said.
READ ALSO: Skateboarder Margielyn Didal Funny Expressions in Olympics Goes Viral
He also claimed that the Philippine Navy’s offer of scholarships for his two children was not kept. He received the house and land that had been promised to him, but the title has yet to be handed to him.
“Ang inaano ko na lang sana, yung titulo lang mai-transfer na ba, kasi nakatira ako doon sa bahay, mamaya bigla akong palayasin doon,” said Velasco.
Incentives, according to Velasco, are critical for athletes to endure, particularly during training. He didn’t have a smartphone at the time, so being away from his family was difficult because he couldn’t say hello after he finished eating.
After competing in the Olympics, Velasco retired to spend more time with his family. He feels Diaz will be able to fight on. Despite his background, Velasco makes light of things.
“Joke joke namin lagi, pinganakuan ka na, gusto mo pa tuparin pa. Dapat matuwa ka na kasi pinangakuan ka na eh,” said Velasco.
READ ALSO: Joy Belmonte Poster for Hidilyn Diaz with Her Large Image Allegedly Fake
What can you say about this article? Just feel free to leave your reactions in the comment section.
For more news and updates, follow us on Twitter:@philnews_ph Facebook:@PhilNews and; YouTube channel Philnews Ph