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| The PSC vows to improve its service for the athletes as the Asian Games approaches. Ivan Saldajeno |
MANILA—The Philippine Sports Commission will not stop looking for ways to serve the Filipino athletes better and prepare them for international competitions, including the Hangzhou Asian Games in September.
“There are rooms for improvement,” said PSC chairman Richard Bachmann in Tuesday’s Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.
Bachmann talked about his experience in the Cambodia SEA Games, and how he witnessed the Filipino athletes compete and deliver 58 gold, 85 silver and 117 bronze medals.
He stressed the importance of providing the needs of the important needs during the competition itself like providing separate rooms in the hotel where the physical therapists can attend to the athletes.
“We need ultrasound and laser machines. I didn’t find any. We should bring our own machines. We will make improvements for the coming Asian Games,” he said.
“The key is for the commissioner in charge (of certain sports) to understand the sport and how to improve the sport. Hindi tayo tagabigay lang ng pera. The PSC will step up.”
Joining Bachmann in the forum presented by San Miguel Corporation, MILO, Philippine Sports Commission, POC and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) were PSC commissioners Bong Coo, Fritz Gaston and Edward Hayco.
All three commissioners reiterated the need to upgrade the training facilities for members of the national pool, put up a nationwide grassroots program, and find ways to strengthen the selection process for international competitions.
“Dapat talaga ma-upgrade ang facilities natin para hindi na kailangan pumunta pa sila sa ibang lugar to hone their skills. Kailangan din more exposure lalu na yung sa high level,” said Coo, a legendary bowler.
The PSC also plans to consult with the different NSAs (national sports associations) that were represented in Cambodia and find out where and how some of them failed to deliver.
“Dapat may assessment,” said Coo.
Gaston, a former PBA player like Bachmann, reiterated Coo’s statement.
“We are athletes, we know their needs. We need to provide better and more competitive facilities. But we also have to be critical in terms of selection,” he said.
Hayco, for his part, pushed for grassroots development, and hoped that his success with the Cebu Sports Commission can be carried over nationwide.
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