Bachmann puts premium on athletes

Newly-appointed Philippine Sports Commission chairman Richard "Dickie" Bachmann's first order of business: No delays in the financial support to national athletes.

Speaking in his first flag-raising ceremony with PSC employees, the 54-year-old Bachmann stressed that attending to the needs of the athletes will be his ultimate mission as the country shoots for glory in various major international tournaments this year.

"Helping our athletes is the most urgent thing on my agenda," said Bachmann, a corporate heavyweight and basketball executive.

"If there will be delays in the allowances of our athletes, please have mine delayed as well. Give me the names of those athletes with delay allowances and give me the names of those NSAs (national sports associations) and I will personally follow it up."

"When I say that there should be no delay, I'm going to make it happen."

Aside from the allowances of the members of the national team, Bachman is also planning to take care of the athletes' nutrition by serving free and healthy food.

He also encouraged the PSC workforce, including sports commissioners Olivia "Bong" Coo, Walter Torres and Edward Hayco to suggest their thoughts on how they could better serve the athletes.

"I work best when I am on the ground — talking and listening to people I am supposed to serve," Bachmann, who presided over his second board meeting on Tuesday, said.

"I would rather go to the athlete, and I also encourage our Commissioners to do the same."

Bachmann said all he wants is to help develop athletes that will bring glory to the country, especially now that they will vie in various international events like the 32nd Southeast Asian Games, 19th Asian Games and 6th Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games this year.

"I want to assure everyone that I am here to be of service. Period. No personal agenda," Bachmann said.

"I am here to serve our national athletes, the NSAs, and the PSC organization."