As debates heighten over the future of online gaming in the Philippines, one truth is often overlooked: the
industry plays a vital role in funding Filipino athletes’ journeys to the world’s biggest sporting stages.
Companies like DigiPlus Interactive Corp., through its sports entertainment brand, ArenaPlus, have quietly
fueled the dreams of Olympic hopefuls, making victories for the country possible.
Cynthia Carrion, President of the Gymnastics Association of the Philippines and manager of Olympic
double gold medalist Carlos Yulo, emphasized the crucial role of corporate sponsorship in sustaining
athletes. “People see the medals, but not the long journey it takes to get there,” Carrion said. “Without
sponsors, including those from the online gaming sector, we simply would not have the funds to train,
travel, or compete. It’s their support that helps put the Philippine flag on global podiums.”
The gaming industry, now under pressure from calls for tighter regulation or even prohibition, has quietly
backed numerous national sports campaigns. Athletes like Eumir Marcial (boxing), Carlos Yulo
(gymnastics), Scottie Thompson (basketball), have all benefited from sponsorships funded in part by
gaming revenues, support that includes coaching, nutrition, overseas training, and exposure to world-class
competition.
Carlos Yulo, speaking after his historic Olympic double gold, echoed this gratitude in an August 2024 press
conference, highlighting private partners who stood behind him. “I’m deeply grateful to DigiPlus and
ArenaPlus for celebrating this win with me, and recognizing my perseverance. Success does not come
overnight, it is made possible with the support of those who believe in you,” Yulo said.
Carrion is no stranger to the demands of high-performance sport. A former Undersecretary for Sports and
Wellness at the Department of Tourism and current Chair of the Philippine Retirement Authority, she has
long been a leading force in Philippine sports development. She also serves on the Executive Committee of
the Asian Gymnastics Union, is a Council Member of the Fédération Internationale de Gymnastique (FIG),
and was formerly Treasurer of the Philippine Olympic Committee. Under her leadership, the Philippines
earned its first-ever gymnastics Olympic medals and became the most bemedaled sport in the 31st SEA
Games.
Carrion underscored that support from private entities fills critical gaps left by government funding. “This
industry contributes billions in corporate social responsibility. Part of that goes to sports, where government
budgets alone often fall short,” she added.
Beyond elite athletes, gaming revenues have helped bankroll national tournaments, grassroots leagues,
and other sports initiatives to discover and develop future champions. For many sports organizations, these
contributions have meant the difference between hosting a local competition or canceling it altogether.
As Team Philippines prepares for upcoming global events, supporters and sports managers alike call for a
more balanced conversation. “Let’s improve regulation where needed, but let’s also acknowledge the good
that legal, compliant operators bring to society,” Carrion said.
