Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) chairman William “Butch” Ramirez has been calling for unity in sports as we prepare for the hosting of the 30th Southeast Asian Games this coming November 30 to December 11.
This has been also the position of Philippine Southeast Asian Games Organizing Committee (PHISGOC) chairman and House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano and Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino.
However, you cannot deny that there are still ongoing squabbles among leaders in the POC. Just follow the Facebook posts of former PSC chairman Perry Mequi and you’ll know.
For sure our three sports leaders have been bothered but what can we do? There has always been infighting in and out of the POC.
I just wish that the sports leaders in Manila will declare a “ceasefire” because the SEA Games is fast approaching.
A lot of beautiful things have already happened these past few months like the building of a new and world-class sports complex in New Clark City where you can find a 20,000-seater Athletics Stadium, 2,000-seater Aquatics Center, and a 525-bedroom Athletes’ Village.
Another beautiful thing is that Filipino-American rapper Allan Pineda Lindo, popularly known as apl.de.ap and the Black Eyed Peas are coming to perform during the opening and closing ceremonies of the Games.
I’m reminded of the statement of President Rodrigo Duterte’s Executive Secretary, Atty.Bingbong Medialdea to the national athletes, telling them to give their best shot and win for the honor of the country.
The stars of the SEA Games are the national athletes and because of that the Executive Secretary has relayed the message of the President that he is 100 percent supportive of them.
Unity in sports? Sure, why not?
National athletes are united for sure.
Our sports leaders in the POC? “Ceasefire” muna kayo.
