The Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo will seek big shot financers to sponsor the preparation of Filipino athletes who are qualified to compete in Beijing Olympic Games this summer, local media reported.

"She wants to be hands on in the Olympic drive," said congressman Monico Puentevella, who also leads the country's Olympic mission.

In a recent meeting with Arroyo, Puentevella said, the president asked him "the names of athletes who will see action in the Beijing Games" as she agreed to designate "godfathers" to help finance the Olympics preparation.

As the government arm in sports, the Philippine Sports Commission has initially earmarked 30 million pesos (US$750, 000) for the Olympic campaign. And the House of Representatives, in last month, also earmarked another 10 million pesos (US$250, 000) for the preparation.

The Filipinos have hoped to secure the country's first Olympic goal in Beijing Games this August, most probably in boxing.

However, only one of the Filipino boxers has been qualified to fight in the Games as others have failed in a string of qualification matches.

Harry Tanamor, 31, secured his Olympic berth at the World Amateur Boxing Championships in Chicago last November. Tanamor was defeated by China's Zou Shiming in the final.

Other seven qualifiers are in taekwondo, swimming and archery.

(Xinhua News Agency March 6, 2008)