What made me decide to have a blog is because of the article I read this morning (http://www.philstar.com/SportsArticle.aspx?articleId=728397&publicationSubCategoryId=69&keyword=).
As a Filipino who loves sports and once an athlete, it is sad to know that the level of support of Philippine Olympic Committee to athletics is very degrading to the mindset of the athletes. Sending only those 2009 Laos SEA Games medalists is not helping the future of Philippine Athletics. I don't see any reasons why they will not send other athletes who are qualify and potential medalists in the biennial meet. What is the purpose of the recently concluded Philippine National Games (PNG) in Bacolod City if they will not allow the participation of the new born talents? That event is a waste of time, effort and money for the commission. They are not thinking of what they are spending. What is the purpose of having training/developmental program for the athletes if they will not go in the battle. Again, waste of money. If financial assistance is the root cause of not sending other athletes in the SEA games in Indonesia, why they didn't ask for sponsorship very early if they sounded that the government will allot a small budget for Philippine sports. There are many big names and companies willing to help and to assist national athletes. There are many solutions too. They can have fun run to raise funds for the athletes like what other non-government organizations are doing to help clean the Pasig River & reservoirs. See. These are some solutions for attaining a good budget for Filipino athletes. Don't just sit around and wait for the government to feed the spoon on your mouths. Considering the fact that we are in the third world country, it doesn't mean that we will not do anything to survive. Don't wait. Act. Be resourceful.
Now that the 26th SEA Games is two months to go, Team Philippines is not sure of what awaits them in Indonesia. For sure, Philippines will not regain the over-all title if there are issues to solve. It may land 4th, 5th or even 6th place. The highest may be 3rd. We are far behind powerhouses Thailand and Indonesia. Vietnam and Malaysia are emerging teams who once had the over-all title & have better sports programs. While Singapore with good sports fund is competing head-to-head with us in the medal tally. I hope Philippine team will do good in the Southeast Asian Games this November. Inshallah.
