NANG MAPULITIKA ANG SPORTS: “PASENSIYA NA PO”-PHISGOC

HUMINGI ng paumanhin si Philippine Southeast Asian Games Organizing Committee (PHISGOC) at House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano sa pagsawsaw ng pulitika sa sports sa bansa sa harap ng 300 national athletes at sports officials noong nakalipas na Miyerkules sa Heroes Hall ng Malacañang.

“There is so much politics in sports. Humihingi ako ng paumanhin na na-politicize ang Southeast Asian Games,” pahayag ni Cayetano, sa kanyang speech para sa ‘Unity Meeting’ kasama sina Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go, Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, Philippine Sports Commission Chairman at Chef de Mission William “Butch” Ramirez.

“I don’t blame any of you here for that because the politics is coming from passion. You’re very competitive,” esplika ni Cayetano.

Hindi maikakaila na nagiging parte na ng sports ang mundo ng pulitika, kung saan ilan sa mga politiko ay naikakabit ang pangalan sa ilang sports team.

Pangunahing napapabilang sa mga politiko o dating politiko ng sports ay sina Eight Division World Champion at World Boxing Association (WBA) welterweight titlist Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao na isang senador, dating Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) president Jose “Peping” Cojuangco, Jr. ng Equestrian, dating POC chairman Cong. Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino ng Philippine Cycling, Gilas Head Coach Yeng Guiao, at marami pang iba.

Inihayag ni Ramirez, na siya ring chairman noong 2005 Manila Games kung saan nakuha ng bansa ang kauna-unahang overall title sa pamamagitan ng 113 golds, 84 silvers at 94 bronze medal, na kailangang iiwas ang national athletes sa usapang political at ibigay sa kanila ang nararapat na suporta para sa paghahanda sa SEA Games na mayroon na lamang nalalabing apat na buwan. “As the chief of the government’s sporting arm, I am heavily invested into ensuring that whatever the situation and political climate, our athletes are shielded and given the support they need to focus on their goals of victory,” paliwanag ni Ramirez.