PHL Olympians head to France for training camp

Some of the Philippines' athletes bound for the Paris Olympics left the country on Saturday as they head to Metz, France for a one-month training camp.

Those who flew to Metz were flag bearers Nesthy Petecio and Carlo Paalam, fellow boxers Hergie Bacyadan and Aira Villegas, weightlifters Elreen Ando, John Ceniza, and Vanessa Sarno, and rower Joanie Delgaco.

Philippine Olympic Committee president and Tagaytay City Mayor Abraham "Bambol" Tolentino said this might be the first time that athletes are together in the training camp.

"Napakataas ng morale ng mga atleta at ng mga opisyal," Tolentino said in EJ Gomez' 24 Oras report on Saturday.

A send-off ceremony led by President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos, Jr. was held on Friday night.

At least 15 athletes from the Philippines have qualified to the Paris Games and more are expected as the Olympics nears.

The Summer Games will open on July 26.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News