Corporate Support Powers Philippine Athletes Toward Olympic Success

As conversations continue around the regulation of online platforms in the Philippines, one critical yet often overlooked reality stands out: private sector support has become a cornerstone of Filipino athletes’ progress on the international stage.

Companies like DigiPlus Interactive Corp., through its sports-focused brand ArenaPlus, have significantly contributed to the growth of national athletes, including Olympic medalists. These contributions, through sponsorships and funding, have provided vital support for training, international exposure, and high-performance development.

Cynthia Carrion, President of the Gymnastics Association of the Philippines and manager of two-time Olympic gold medalist Carlos Yulo, emphasized how essential corporate backing has become in elite sports.

“People celebrate the medals, but they rarely see the long and difficult path athletes take to reach that podium,” Carrion said. “Without sponsors, including those from the private sector, we simply wouldn’t have the means to train, travel, or compete. Their support plays a direct role in lifting the Philippine flag on global stages.”

Amid growing public scrutiny of certain digital industries, private sponsors have continued to back various national sports programs. This includes support for top athletes such as boxer Eumir Marcial, gymnast Carlos Yulo, and basketball star Scottie Thompson. These athletes have benefited from access to high-level coaching, nutrition, overseas training, and international competition—largely made possible by private investment.

In an August 2024 press conference following his double Olympic victory, Carlos Yulo publicly thanked his corporate sponsors. “I’m deeply grateful to DigiPlus and ArenaPlus for standing with me. Success doesn’t happen overnight, it comes from the dedication of those who believe in your journey,” Yulo said.

Carrion, who previously served as Undersecretary for Sports and Wellness at the Department of Tourism and now chairs the Philippine Retirement Authority, has long been at the forefront of Philippine sports development. Her leadership has helped the country secure its first Olympic medals in gymnastics and propelled the sport to the top of the Southeast Asian Games medal tally.

She also holds international roles as a member of the Executive Committee of the Asian Gymnastics Union and the Council of the Fédération Internationale de Gymnastique (FIG), and she is a former Treasurer of the Philippine Olympic Committee.

Carrion pointed out that while government support remains crucial, private funding helps fill persistent gaps. “This sector contributes billions through corporate social responsibility efforts. A portion of that directly benefits sports, where government budgets alone often fall short,” she said.

This backing doesn’t only impact elite athletes. Contributions have also helped fund grassroots programs, national tournaments, and community sports initiatives that aim to discover and develop the next generation of champions. For many sports organizations, this support has meant the difference between pushing forward or shutting down events entirely.

As Filipino athletes continue their preparations for future international competitions, sports leaders and supporters are calling for a more balanced public discussion.

“Regulations should evolve and improve, but we must also recognize the positive impact that responsible, law-abiding private entities have on society, especially in sports,” Carrion concluded.