PBA Philippine Cup finalists San Miguel and Meralco wore Philippine Olympian-themed shirts with the names of the athletes who qualified for the Paris Games on the back before Game Four at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Wednesday.
The gesture underscores the PBA's support of the country's Olympic team as it prepares for the Paris Games which will be held in the majestic French capital from July 26 to August 11.
"Suportado ng PBA ang bawat atletang Pilipino at umaasa tayo na kasama natin ang mga fans sa pagsuporta sa mga atleta nating lalaban sa Paris 2024," said PBA commissioner Willie Marcial.
Another important part of the league's Independence Day celebration is honoring our galant men and women from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and Philippine National Police (PNP).
The league welcomed the 200 uniformed personnel from the AFP and PNP as special guests at the Big Dome.
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"Gusto po nating bigyan ng pagkilala at pagpupugay ang ating mga pulis at sundalo! Sila ang nagsisilbing tanggulan ng ating kalayaan, at nag-aalay ng kanilang buhay para sa kapayapaan at kaligtasan ng bawat Pilipino," Marcial said.
Fifteen athletes, led by pole vaulter EJ Obiena and gymnast Carlos Yulo, have qualified for Paris 2024.
More athletes are hoping to follow suit, including Gilas Pilipinas which will play in the Fiba Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Riga, Latvia from July 2 to 7.
