The Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) awarded USD 5,000 each to members of the men’s curling team for winning gold at the 9th Asian Winter Games in Harbin, China.

POC President Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino handed out the incentives during a luncheon at New World Hotel in Makati City before the team left for Switzerland.

“This incentive may not fully match their effort, dedication, or the expenses they personally covered, but it’s a small way for the POC to show its gratitude,” Tolentino said in a statement.

The team, consisting of Marc Pfister, Christian Haller, Enrico Pfister, Alen Frei, alternate and Curling Pilipinas president Benjo Delarmente, and Marc Pfister’s wife Jessica, arrived in Manila on February 15 and attended a press conference at the Knights Templar Hotel in Tagaytay City the next day.

Tolentino acknowledged the financial challenges faced by the team, noting, “It’s no joke funding your own participation in international events, especially in a sport like curling.”

He also revealed that efforts are underway to help the team and other winter sports athletes qualify for the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics, saying, “The path to Milano Cortina has become clearer, bringing us closer to our goal of a first Winter Olympics medal.”