Filipino golfer Dottie Ardina, who represented the Philippines at the 2024 Paris Olympics, recently brought attention to a significant issue affecting her and fellow golfer Bianca Pagdanganan: the lack of official uniforms for their competitions. In a candid video shared on social media, Ardina expressed her disappointment and frustration over the situation, highlighting the challenges faced by the athletes.
Before her Olympic match, Ardina posted a video showing her attempting to attach the Philippine flag to her chest with double adhesive tape. “Sana all with uniforms [I hope everyone has uniforms.]” Ardina remarked in the video, noting that while athletes from other countries were dressed in chic uniforms, she and Pagdanganan were left without official attire. “Kami lang ang wala. Kailangan pa bumili ng t-shirts. Diyos ko, ano bang klaseng Olympics ito [We’re the only ones without uniforms. We still need to buy T-shirts. Oh my God, what kind of Olympics is this?]” she lamented, explaining that they had to purchase their own shirts for the event.
The video quickly went viral, sparking a wave of empathy and support from social media users who were puzzled and concerned about the lack of preparation and support for the Filipino golfers.
Ang tapang ni DOTTIE ARDINA. Siniwalat nya ang kagaguhan ng National Golf Association of the Philippines at ng Philippine Olympic Committee. Sabi nya sa last part, wala po ginastos ang NGAP sa qualifications nya at sarili nya gastos lahat hanggang sa Olympics sa Paris. pic.twitter.com/sUUEguKu0P
— D'Vendetta (@dvendetta007) August 13, 2024
I cant believe Dottie Ardina needs to address this. NGAP should be accountable for this and release a statement why it happened.
Our Filipino Golfers is thriving hard for the country while having this internal conflicts. Please spread this so everyone will be aware! 😞🙏🏼 pic.twitter.com/rCjPxDYodu
— ed (@edqcyt) August 13, 2024
May God protect Dottie Ardina. There are so many holes in the statement of the POC and NGAP but knowing Dottie paid for her own qualification really turned this story into a showcase of incompetence. https://t.co/xz74315zIM
— AJ #LabanFilipinas (@AJsaysthings) August 14, 2024
2 atleta natin sa Paris olympics pinay golfers na sina Bianca Pagdanganan at Dottie Ardina.. nagmukhang kaawa-awa dahil sila lang ang walang maayos na uniform.. nasaan ang pondo sa atleta? panoorin si Dottie sa kanyang karanasan⛳️🏌️ pic.twitter.com/kyhd8YYAIZ
— Ely Saludar (@media_ely) August 9, 2024
Ardina later shared a detailed statement on Facebook, explaining the timeline of events leading up to the incident. She revealed that on June 13, they were asked for their uniform sizes, and on July 28, she inquired about the delivery of the uniforms and necessary equipment, as they were scheduled to leave for Paris on August 1. The athletes were assured that the uniforms would be sent directly to Paris, with an expected arrival date of July 31. Despite these assurances, Ardina and Pagdanganan brought their own clothing as a precaution.
Upon arriving in Paris, the uniforms were still not available. On August 4, they received only tracksuits, while the promised collared shirts, which were not specifically designed for golf, arrived later. Additionally, shirts ordered to include the flag and name initials were incorrect in size, with the collar obscuring the Philippine logo.
Beyond the uniform issues, the golfers also faced a lack of essential equipment, such as golf balls, head covers, gloves, and umbrellas, which they had to purchase themselves. Ardina questioned the apparent lack of budget and support, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability.
Ardina’s statement aimed to shed light on the situation, as there had been no official response from Paris. Despite the presence of media at the competition, the issue had not been reported, prompting Ardina to speak out.
“Sana magkaroon ng maayos na COMMUNICATION sa pagitan ng mga officials na naka assign at sa mga atleta na maglalaro sa susunod na Olympics. Sana wala ng Philippine Team at atletang Pilipino ang magmukhang busabos at kawawa [I hope there will be proper communication between the assigned officials and the athletes who will compete in the next Olympics. I also hope that no member of the Philippine Team or any Filipino athlete will ever have to appear neglected and pitiful again],” she noted in her statement.
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