By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
Toyko Olympics-bound boxer Eumir Marcial bared that basketball superstar Thirdy Ravena contacted him via social media and offered financial help.
After Marcial claimed that the 43,000-pesos allowance he is receiving from the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) isn’t enough to sustain his training needs, the former Ateneo Blue Eagle was quick to reach out.
“The only person who can understand us the most/better are our fellow athletes. They are the ones who understand our sacrifices for the country,” wrote Marcial on his Facebook account.
Ravena is currently in Japan and just signed a multi-year contract with basketball club San-En NeoPhoenix in the Japan B. League.
In a post by Marcial, Ravena sent a message to him stating: “Boss, kamusta. Sana okay yung training camp mo ngayon. Nakita ko yung post mo sa social media, gusto ko lang sana itanong kung pwede makitulong kahit maliit na halaga lang sa mga pangangailangan niyo. Gusto ko kayo manalo ng team nyo.”
Surprised by the classy act, Marcial shared the news on social media thanking Ravena and hoped that the King Eagle will serve as an inspiration to the Filipinos.
“I hope that idol Thirdy Ravena will become an inspiration and influence other Filipino athletes to help one another in different way. I also wish that it can influence sports lovers and most especially our sports leaders. Mabuhay ka idol!! Mabuhay ang atletang Pilipino. Mabuhay ang Pilipinas,” Marcial said.
Marcial has been training in the US after deciding to become professional and recently went home to the country to continue his Tokyo preparations.
