PSC offers ‘missing link’ for sports development

MANILA - "I think this is one of the "missing links", if it can help sports in the country then all the more reason we are happy to pursue it," Philippine Sports Commission Chairman William "Butch" Ramirez said yesterday as he discussed the agency's sports education program to be offered under the Philippine Sports Institute, in partnership with the United States Sports Academy.

PSC's Grassroots Sports Development Program head Dr. Serg Opeña said that the program aims "to strengthen the competency of the country’s sportsmen."

The international sports education program will be catering to major sport community stakeholders this year.

One of the prime movers of the project, Prof. Henry Daut explained that “target students are POC and NSA officials, personnel from state and private universities and colleges, Department of Education personnel involved in sports and of course some from the middle management of the PSC." The course is a ladderized certificate and diploma program on Sports Management, Sports Coaching and Physical Education & Sport Coaching.

The USSA will provide the curriculum and instructors who will come to the country. The PSC takes care of the necessary logistics.

The sports education program was finalized by Ramirez and USSA President and CEO Dr. T.J. Rosandich in Daphne, Alabama last April 5.

The PSC hopes to start the courses by July this year and will continue on the second and third week of September, November, January, March and April 2019. Application will be opened by end of this month.

Rosandich and the USSA delegation is set to arrive in the country to grace the formal launching of the sports education program in June.

Ramirez also expressed his hope that with people armed with knowledge in different facets of the sporting community, "We will have a better fighting chance in the global athletic stage."