Zamboanga city: Grassroots athletes in weightlifting now have access to world-class equipment at the Hidilyn Diaz gym in Mampang, Zamboanga City. The gym, established by Tokyo Olympic gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz-Naranjo in 2017, received a set of new equipment from the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) last Wednesday.

According to Philippines News Agency, PSC chairman John Patrick Gregorio emphasized that the equipment delivery was more than a logistical act. "It was a promise kept. This is about building dreams. By equipping the home of our local weightlifting community, we are laying the foundation for the next generation of Olympic icons," he said in a news release Thursday.

Diaz-Naranjo has expressed her joy at seeing young lifters benefit from the upgrade. "Thanks to this weightlifting equipment, the athletes of the Mampang Weightlifting Club can continue their training at the gym I had built in 2017," said Diaz-Naranjo. She added, "I am happy to see many young people trying out weightlifting and dreaming of becoming medalists," reflecting on her own journey as the 2016 Rio Olympics silver medalist.

Present during the turnover ceremony were PSC officials led by Executive Assistant Lito Cinco from the Office of Commissioner Matthew Gaston, Zamboanga City Councilor Elbert Bong Atilano, Sports Development Officer Cecilia Atilano, national coaches Allen Jayfrus Diaz and Emelita Diaz, and Asian Youth and Junior medalists Alexsandra Ann Diaz and Jhodie Peralta. The turnover was a significant boost for Zamboanga's weightlifting community, ensuring that young athletes have access to international-standard equipment and a nurturing environment.

The project is a collaboration between the PSC and the Department of Education, led by Secretary Sonny Angara, following President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s instruction for both government institutions to work together to develop sports programs across the country. "Grassroots development is the lifeblood of Philippine sports. Every barbell lifted here is a step closer to producing champions who will one day carry our flag on the world stage," Gregorio said.

For the PSC, it reaffirms its mission to empower grassroots athletes and strengthen the pipeline of future champions.