With more politicians now using sports as a vehicle for the elections, let me once again remind them that if possible they should make the activities sustainable in order to help grassroots sports development. Yes, this is like asking for the moon, by why not? We might get lucky.
In Cebu City, we have the perfect example of a true grassroots sports development program, which could match even those in countries with financial and material resources that are a billion times more than what we have.
I am referring to the success of Team Cebu City DanceSport in bringing its program to the remotest of places around the city.
What we lack in money and equipment, we however managed to overcome with a dedicated manpower.
Much have been written about what Edward Hayco, his wife Eleanor, coach Loloi Rendon, and everyone else in the team have done to promote dancesport and develop a huge pool of talents.
In other words, we need not look very far to see what works in our place. I’m sure Edward would be willing to share his experience about grassroots sports development with other sports leaders.
While some think that holding tournaments is the best way to get the people to do sports right, the answer is no. There are many other things that have to be considered.
My fellow Cebu City Sports Commissioner Calixto ‘Alex’ Pacquiao expressed shock at the diet of some athletes who are currently training. He said that the food they are taking will not only keep them that improving, but also hasten many other health problems.
He volunteered to help map out a nutrition program for the athletes and hopes to do the same for the barangays.
If we want a culture of sports, then we must do it right and this does not only mean giving away balls and backboards, staging competitions, giving uniforms, but more importantly laying a solid groundwork.
This shall include training the coaches how to do their job right, helping the parents of the young athletes understand their needs particularly when it comes to nutrition and equally important is making the athlete understand that this kind of development doesn’t mean honing his sports skills alone.
It is going to be a tough climb, but Edward and the Team Cebu City DanceSport have done it. Yes, they got support from Mayor Tommy Osmeña, but then no matter what support they would get would amount to nothing without the dedication that the volunteer coaches have put into the whole effort.
Sports development is not something unattainable. In fact we can do it, if we only start the proper way.
Next time a politician starts talking about sports, try asking him or her to do it the right way.
We can all help make our place better if we just care enough.
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MILESTONES: I’d like to extend happy birthday greetings to my good friend Lorrey Anne Muntuerto, who turns a year older today. The same goes to Leonard ‘Yongi’ Lu and Irene Sofia Buenconsejo.
Advance greetings go to my classmate Christiane Davide Ong and also to Ian Rodis and my Tao sister Debie Coching, who all turn a year older tomorrow.
More power! – THE FREEMAN