I could not help but express my happiness over the election of Kenneth Sai as interim president of the Davao City Track and Field Association.
It is appropriate for Kenneth to lead the organization because he is an active marathon organizer in the region and has kept in touch with various stakeholders for years since the death of his father, Vic Sai, a long-time sports organizer and sports editor.
Thanks to PATAFA executive vice-president Dr. Willie Torres of the University of Mindanao for initiating this momentous event and I am fully confident that with Dr.Torres’ backing, the DCTAFA will be able to do the needed projects to be done for our local track and field athletes.
If you can recall, manong Zaf Respicio, then OIC Mayor of Davao City, initiated the coming of the great Lydia de Vega to Davao and this has triggered the Dabawenyos’s enormous interest in athletics. Manong Vic Sai did most of the leg work and Manong Zaf was already in Manila as PATAFA’s EVP.
Luckily, schools like the University of Mindanao, Holy Cross of Davao College, Agro-Industrial Foundation College of the Philippines and other private schools have made track and field part of its varsity programs. That huge school support led to the rise of athletics stars Nixon Mas of UM and Alther Rivera of Holy Cross.
The DCTAFA, if I remember it right, was formed about a decade ago and it has organized various projects too but the presence and support of a PATAFA EVP, there will surely be a big boost to the development of the sport.
Before UM sports director Joaquin “Boy” Sarabia retired, he brought me to UM-Matina to check on the brand-new UM Track Oval, the construction, personally initiated by Dr. Torres. And when I had the chance to chat with Dr. Torres, just outside his office, he mentioned about the training program that has started. This has clearly shown his deep love for the sport because he himself is a collegiate champion track athlete in his years at DLSU.
And no wonder, when there were leadership changes in PATAFA Manila, Dr.Torres was among those considered to be part of the new leaders.
DCTAFA is a non-profit organization that needs the support of all stakeholders.
And the support of all sports directors from both private and public schools will make the job, unpaid job actually, for Kenneth, Dr.Torres and the rest of the officers easier.
Come to think of it, athletics is much easier to organize compared to team sports and it even requires a lower budget.
Harrish Ratag, the 100-meter dash champion of the University of Mindanao, used to run without shoes and still emerged champion.
Just imagine what DCTAFA and PATAFA officials can do when they work harmoniously.
That would be a lovely sight.
Which brings me to the next question, how much money will the Sports Development Division-City Mayor’s Office appropriate for athletics development?
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Comments are welcome by sending an email to mpb_sports@yahoo.com.
Daghang salamat!
