Support started pouring in for athletes and coaches of the Baguio judo team who had to shell out additional cash to rebook their flight going to the Batang Pinoy national championships in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan last week.

As of Aug. 26, a total of P96,675 was raised to support the judo athletes and coaches, who rebooked their flight when they missed their flight with Cebu Pacific due to sudden changes in their boarding gate.

Canada-based Jogin Rey Tamayo, who initiated the call for assistance in his Facebook account, jumpstarted the campaign for help with his $120. From there, kindhearted men and women from here and abroad pooled their resources through Tamayo, who is also the Courier’s long-time cartoonist and former sports writer.

“It started with $120 to start the ball rolling and we attained this in just two days. Our target was only P87,000 to cover the money they owed to buy new plane tickets with Philippine Airlines,” Tamayo said.

Germany-based karate champion Julian Chees, through his JPC-Shoshin Foundation also helped out with 500 euros equivalent to P28,375.

The 500 euros went straight to the judo team in Palawan for their daily expenses through Western Union. Coach Sharon Dino received the money,” Tamayo said.

In a Facebook post, the judo team wrote an open letter to the management of Cebu Pacific after missing their flight to Puerto Princesa.

The post stated that when the team arrived at NAIA Terminal 3 at 4 a.m. and were supposed to board Cebu Pacific on Aug. 25 at 6:30 a.m. They, however, said the boarding gate was changed without prior notice so they had to run towards the new boarding gate at the last minute.

“Tired and exhausted, we arrived exactly on the last call. But the airline personnel refused all of us to depart and board the flight. Considering the plane has not left yet and we were already there on the last call, the personnel even stipulated that it was the passengers’ fault that we missed the flight,” it added.

They ended up booking another flight with PAL for P5,240 each with the 17 coaches and members of the team, borrowing money in order to buy new tickets. 

City Sports Coordinator Gaudencio Gonzales said Cebu Pacific has offered to reimburse the one-way ticket of the team and has coordinated with the judo coaches to resolve the issue. 

“With regard to the kids, they are focusing on the game and we spare them from thinking about the issues. Worrying is the least of their problems. We assured them even when we were in a dilemma that they will compete by hook or by crook. For us coaches, it is our responsibility to absorb everything. We are in debt with your help and assistance. All of us are overwhelmed with the support you have rendered,” said coach Sharon Kaybelle de Vera.

Once the athletes are back from the Batang Pinoy games, a meeting will be set with the city government regarding the issue to better improve the logistics of the athletes in any upcoming sports activities outside of Baguio.