Filipino youth and sports
WITH the impending Philippine hosting of the 30th South East Asian Games, President Rodrigo Duterte during the awarding of cash incentives to the medalists of the just concluded 29th SEA Games in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia made lauded the efforts and hard work of the athletes and those behind the success.
Duterte urged the discovery of potential athletes from none traditional sources, out of school youths and those who comes from indigenous tribes to be given the chance to show off their skills.
This statement of the President focuses on the manipulation of sports as a tool to give those who have the potentials and hopefully make a name in sports but are not given a chance due to lack of exposure, connec-
tion and access to specific organizations handling sports disciplines.
The statement also is an encouragement which gives value to the indigenous minorities who are facing discrimination even in sports, which affects their confidence to involve themselves in such activities.
The Philippines is a haven of athletic potential, the problem is with the programs and its implementation, the very reason this gems are not being unearthed. There is also a big question of credibility among those who leads the Philippine sports. Corruption and politicking looms in the midst of Philippine sports that blind the very objective which needs to be achieved. The gloomy state of the country’s sports cannot be blamed on the athletes even if they do not perform well.
We must remember that athletes are like diamonds, without value unless unearthed. The Filipino youth are like gems which need to be unearthed, and when unearthed, they need to be polished to expose their true beauty. Their maximum potential is the role of the programs and activities of the sports organizations and authorities to include the incentives, and all the supports that should be extended to them.
The Filipino youth is the future of Philippine sports. This should be taken into consideration by our sports leaders instead of manipulating regulations to favor their position and personal intentions. Amidst corruption and politicking, give Filipino athletes a chance.