SportsPlus surprises Asian Games medalists with latest iPhone models

Manila Times - Oct 23, 2026

MANILA, Philippines -- To recognize their achievements, SportsPlus awarded 53 of the latest iPhone models to Filipino medalists at the recently concluded 2026 Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan. The country’s premier PAGCOR-licensed sportsbook and Official Partner of the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC), SportsPlus, said the initiative reflects its commitment to supporting Filipino athletes as they pursue excellence and to recognizing their accomplishments. “SportsPlus is thrilled to have surprised our beloved athletes with these smartphones,” SportsPlus President & CEO Andre Uy stated. “Our brand takes great pride in these initiatives as we join the nation in celebrating their success and recognizing the hard work and dedication behind every medal.” The iPhone giveaway took place during the POC General Assembly on October 22 at a luxury restaurant in Parañaque, where representatives of the Philippine sports community gathered. “All the athletes that won a medal here are so happy to get a new iPhone 18 model through the help of SportsPlus, and we are all thankful for their generosity,” said POC President Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino. “This incentive will significantly aid our athletes in surfing new conditioning and training methods online. It allows them to discover new techniques and fully utilize modern fitness apps to further enhance their training and...

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Hamilton sets sights on racing in African grand prix

AUSTIN, United States — Lewis Hamilton on Thursday welcomed Formula One’s decision to return to Africa, but revealed reservations over the choice of Rwanda to host the continent’s first Grand Prix in more than three decades. The seven-time world champion also said he wanted to stay in F1 racing into his forties to make sure he can fulfil his dream of racing in an African Grand Prix. Speaking to reporters ahead of this weekend’s United States Grand Prix, the Ferrari driver said he was aware of concerns regarding Rwanda and said they should not be overlooked. "Of course, I don’t get to choose where we go and, naturally, there’s problems all over the world today,” he said. “I’ve seen many of the stories, but I think we really have to approach it with humility.” Formula One announced a 10-year agreement to race in Rwanda last week with the race set to join the calendar after a circuit has been built in the early 2030s. The last time an F1 race was held in Africa was the 33rd South African Grand Prix near Johannesburg in 1993 when Hamilton was just eight years old. "There’s a lot that we don’t know,” added Hamilton who has called for a return to Africa for many years. “Growing up in England, they never taught us anything about Africa. It needs to be on the curriculum… "A lot of the problems they have there are still the results of colonialism and the west intervening, but if you see the people, you see so many designs that are out there today. Top brands come from Africa, and it’s got all the richest resources. "I really hope, and I still have hopes, that Africa unites. I know there’s many people that don’t want that to happen -- because they would be so powerful if they did, but I’m still hopeful that at some stage they will. "And, of course, going doesn’t mean that you neglect the things that are happening there. "So hopefully many people start to educate themselves a little more about what is happening, what has happened for hundreds of years and I hope that does spark the conversation.” Hamilton, who warmly praised runaway championship leader Kimi Antonelli of Mercedes as he sat alongside him at a news conference, revealed also that he hopes to continue racing into his mid-forties. "I’m looking forward to racing with him longer. I mean, I’m now forced to have to stay a lot longer because we have a race in Africa -- and that’s been my dream, to be able to race in Africa.” "So, you’ve got time,” said the 20-year-old Italian. “You’ve got to do at least the first one.” "Yeah,” replied Hamilton. “I have to keep fighting to try and stay fit if I can. If I can still punch out good results over the next year, we’ll keep it going.”