Support for Catantan’s Olympic bid and fencing program received from QC

Quezon City’s fencing program has recently received recognition for producing Filipino athletes set to compete in the upcoming Paris Olympics. In support of the program, Quezon City 1st District Rep. Juan Carlos ‘Arjo’ Atayde has pledged his backing, emphasizing the importance of supporting such initiatives to help Filipino athletes achieve their Olympic dreams.

Atayde, a member of the Youth Sports Development Committee in the House of Representatives, expressed his belief that fencing is a sport where young Filipino athletes can excel. He met with Councilor Joseph Juico, the young members of the Quezon City fencing program, and their parents to discuss ways to enhance the development of fencers not only in their district but also across Metro Manila.

“It’s encouraging to see a grassroots sports program like the Quezon City fencing program nurturing talent from various areas in Metro Manila. With adequate support, this program has the potential to produce fencers who can excel in the sport and bring glory to our country by winning Olympic medals,” said Atayde, who also provided financial assistance for the team’s ongoing initiatives.

Atayde lauded the Quezon City fencing program for producing Samantha Kyle Catantan, a 22-year-old resident of Barangay Del Monte who recently qualified for the Paris Olympics. Catantan secured her spot in the Olympics by winning gold in the women’s foil event at the Asia-Oceania Zonal Olympic Qualifier in the United Arab Emirates, marking the first time a Filipino fencer has qualified for the summer games in 32 years.

“QCSEP deserves recognition for developing world-class fencers like Samantha Catantan. Her Olympic qualification underscores the need to invest in fencing, and our plan is to extend support for the sport not only in our district but throughout Quezon City,” Atayde added.

The QCSEP Fencing program, spearheaded by Councilor Juico, has been advocating for grassroots sports development for 18 years. It aims to cultivate talent and promote the sport of fencing among the youth in Quezon City and beyond.

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