Binay supports teenage shuttler Alcala's Olympic dream

Vice President Jejomar Binay is supporting the London Olympic bid of Malvinne Ann Venice Alcala, believing that the teenage shuttler can earn a berth in the 2012 Games. Binay, who is also the Philippine Badminton Association (PBA) president, said the 16-year-old Alcala is the country's most promising young badminton player. Alcala recently won the Women's Single category of the 2011 Li-Ning Australia Juniors International tournament. "I believe she is our ticket to the Olympic Games. Let us give her the assistance she needs to be able to reach that goal," said Binay, who also expressed his support for the Philippine badminton team that will be competing in the 2011 Sudirman Cup on May 22-29 in Qingdao, China. "I believe you will make our country proud," Binay told the team during their courtesy call at the Office of the Vice President. Meanwhile, Binay said he plans to personally visit the member clubs of the PBA and promote badminton to the people. In the first PBA board meeting under his leadership, he said badminton, as with all other sports, not just strengthens the body but also molds the character of an individual. "It is important that we give our athletes the support they need as well as encourage the people to engage in sports," he said. During the meeting, it was agreed that Binay will go around the Philippines together with PBA chairman Manuel Pangilinan and PBA secretary general and Negros Occidental Rep. Alfredo Benitez Jr. The three will visit member clubs of the PBA and provide support to their projects, especially in holding local tournaments, to promote badminton in their respective areas. "Visiting them personally will give us insights on their plans and concerns. These, in turn, will help us determine the appropriate assistance that we could extend to them," Binay said. – JVP, GMA News