The recent 2020 Tokyo Olympics revealed the potential of Filipino athletes in global sporting events. Following the Filipino athletes’ success in the Olympics, it was evident that genuine support to remedy the plight of the grassroots talents in sports would bridge the gap to Olympic-like opportunities.
Support comes in many ways, and even the littlest amount can elevate Filipino athletes’ potential in international arenas.
With an annual average budget of Php 204 million, the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) can still fall short on programs, funding, human resource, infrastructure, equipment, and research needed to enhance athletes’ performance.
There is support, but we cannot deny that it is insufficient.
For over 90 years since Teófilo Yldefonso won the first Olympic medal for the Philippines, Filipino athletes clinched only ten medals in the Olympics (excluding those recently won by Hidilyn Diaz and others).
We take pride in our athletes, but support is absent in the process of cultivating their talents.
The recent wins from Hidilyn Diaz and Eumir Marcial were made more possible as they turned to private sponsorships to make their Olympics bids financially. A promise to build a skatepark in Cebu was also made after Margielyn Didal’s victory in the 2018 ASEAN Games, but there is still no news about its development.
Several sports are not even known to many Filipinos.
Local talents are waiting for their turn, but it turns out they are waiting for nothing.Through more inclusive and open sports programs that promote and introduce various sports, we make sports opportunities accessible to potential talents. Through it, we make the options available within the bounds of elite and competitive sports.
Considering that Palarong Pambansa players start from simple school intramurals, it continues to be an avenue of sports talents among student-athletes. But weightlifting, skateboarding among other sports, are not included in its annual events. Facilities are lacking; many rely on NGOs and private individuals' initiatives.
Through sufficient funding for facilities, equipment, and coaching, we provide grassroots talents with the physical and mental training for an Olympian.
Through genuine support, we encourage participation.
Grassroots sports development should not entirely be reliant on government support. The collective participation of the community, schools, private sector, and the media helps discover and develop talents that otherwise would not be. But the government-led support is imperative and profound. It’s a simple nudge to push for more support in the long run.
Olympic-like opportunities for talents require years of preparation, and we start by giving them to our athletes.
Through grassroots sports development, we lay the foundation of a strong sports culture. And with a strong culture of sports, we are paving the way for future champions.
No longer should the pride of our country beg for more help.
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Layout and Design by: Dan Kurt Buenaventura
References:
https://news.abs-cbn.com/sports/06/04/19/hirap-na-hirap-na-ako-hidilyn-diaz-asks-for-financial-help-for-olympic-bid
https://interaksyon.philstar.com/politics-issues/2021/08/02/197357/eumir-marcial-funds-olympics/
https://www.philippineolympians.org/olympic-medalists
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