Not wasted

I admit that I am very sad that the Azkals had to lose the second leg of their World Cup Qualifier against Kuwait.

After breaking the ice last Thursday, I was hoping for a mini miracle and that is to see the world’s 162nd ranked football team beat the 95th in the rankings.

I never even got to celebrate as Kuwait came back with two goals and sank the hopes of the thousands of Philippine Azkals supporters hoping to see the same mini miracle.

The target of course was to beat Kuwait by a margin of four goals, but that is quite a tall order.

Now, our World Cup 2014 dreams may be over, but then let us remember that the World Cup happens every four years so we got a lot of time to get ready for the 2018 edition.

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Those who don’t know much about football have said some nasty things about the team and the cost it entailed to maintain the squad.

If we talk of waste of money, we can probably take a look at our efforts to build a basketball team that would hopefully make it to the Olympics.

Well, money spent on sports is not exactly money gone to waste. This goes also for basketball.

The interest generated for the youth to pick up sports and it having a major impact on their lives is an achievement enough.

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I always encounter people who whine about government not doing enough to support sports.

This may be true as most government officials seem to have a very limited understanding of sports development, but this does not mean it is happening in all places.

There are also those who complain that they don’t get any support for their program, but they also never asked in the first place.

With problems like peace and order, tax collection, drainage, graft and corruption, and more plaguing our government sports leaders seeking government support have to be a little creative.

Don’t ask government for everything because most likely it can’t provide. The best approach is giving government an opportunity to work hand in hand with the private sector to develop a particular sport.

This isn’t always foolproof, but if the local officials see that the community is interested in something, they will find a way to get involved.

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MILESTONES: Belated birthday greetings to Dr. Sharon Rose Hormachuelos-Santos and Dr. Julius Eboa, who both turned a year older yesterday.

Today’s greetings go to Lt. Col. Alex Rillera, Lagdy Villa, Aurelio Vibar, and Raquel Soliano-Espinosa.

Advance happy birthday greetings go to PMA Cebu Squad members Kenneth Rosalejos and Marlon Mesina, Joel Catan, and Ronnie Prescillas, who are celebrating tomorrow.

Congratulations also to Call Center 101 Training Corporation, which will be having its soft opening tomorrow at the second floor of the Raintree Mall along F Ramos St.

More power to all of you!