PSC chief asks RC Manila’s support for Phl sports

THE CIRCUIT

‘I want to echo the article written by one of our Tokyo Olympians, EJ Obiena, adapting an old African proverb saying ‘It takes a village to win an Olympic gold.’ I cannot agree more’

PSC chief asks RC Manila’s support for Phl sports — Photographs by joey sanchez mendoza for the daily tribune @tribunephl_joey Philippine Sports Commission chairman Richard ‘Dickie’ Baumann urges officers and members of the Rotary Club of Manila to support national athletes especially those representing the country in the 2024 Paris Olympics. Sports is close to Baumann's heart, having played basketball all his life, as DLSU varsity player, and pro basketball with the Alaska Milkmen. He was UAAP (Season 85) basketball commissioner and chairman of the PBA 3x3 league.

Philippine Sports Commission chairman Richard "Dickie" Bachmann is urging the Rotary Club of Manila to lend support for the country's national athletes.

Speaking as a guest of honor during the Club's 18th Weekly Meeting last Thursday at the Manila Polo Club in Makati City, Bachmann said any form of support will greatly benefit the athletes as they prepare for their international tournaments especially in the 2024 Paris Olympics which will take place from 26 July to 11 August 2024.

The Rotary Club of Manila's 18TH Weekly Meeting at the Manila Polo Club last 9 November 2023 was sports-focused with the Club's Guest of Honor and Speaker, Philippine Sports Commission chairman Richard E. Baumann and Philippine Athletics, Track and Field Association president Agapito 'Terry' Capistrano giving RC Manila a lowdown on the current state of Philippine sports. Also present was Dean of Sportswriters Joaquin 'Quinito' Henson. Shown, with mementos presented to the Club's guests are (from left) Henson, Capistrano, Rotarian Felicito Payumo, Bachmann, RC Manila president Rafael Alunan III, DGE Joaquin Rodriguez, and RC Manila Board Legal Adviser Raoul C. Creencia.

"As members of the Rotary Club of Manila, you are well-aware of the impact that collective action can have in our community. I urge you all to consider how you can contribute to the development of sports in our country," Bachmann said.

As of writing, only four Filipino athletes have so far qualified for the Paris Games, that is, number-two-in-the-world pole vaulter EJ Obiena, Eumir Marcial of Boxing and gymnasts Carlos Yulo and Aleah Finnegan who have booked their respective tickets for the Summer Games.

Next year will be a test for Filipino athletes as aside from various qualifiers, the Asian Indoor And Martial Arts Games will be held from 24 February to 6 March 2024 in Thailand.

The Philippines is looking to equal or best its previous medal tally in the Olympics after getting a 1-2-1 gold-silver-bronze medal tally.

Weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz captured the country's first gold medal after winning the women's 55-kilogram event while boxers Nesthy Petecio and Carlo Paalam snagged silver medals.

Marcial took home a bronze medal in boxing and is looking to do better after a silver medal finish in the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, China last October.

"The advancement of Philippine sports and our athletes happen when we come all together, all sectors to contribute to this very same cause," said Bachmann in his speech before officers and members of RC Manila.

"I want to echo the article written by one of our Tokyo Olympians, EJ Obiena, adapting an old African proverb saying 'It takes a village to win an Olympic gold.' I cannot agree more," he said.