Phl sports gustong palakasin ni Zubiri

MANILA, Philippines - Isang avid sports at outdoorsman, nakilala si dating Sen. Juan Miguel Zubiri sa kabuuan ng kanyang public service career para sa pagpapayabong ng sports.

Bilang unang Arnis champion at alam ang his­torical value ng nasabing Filipino martial arts na may elemento ng capoiera at kali-kali, inakda ni Zubiri ang “An Act Declaring Arnis as the National Martial Arts and Sports of the Philippines” o ang Republic Act 9850. Naghari si Zubiri sa 1st Arnis World Championships na idinaos sa Ninoy Aquino Stadium noong 1989.

Si Zubiri ay isa ring cowboy mula sa kanyang mga panalo sa rodeo b­ilang miyembro ng UP Ran­chers Club at nakita sa mga exhibition games.

“Mahalaga ang sports sa kabataan. Lakas ng katawan, maliksing pagkilos at malinaw na pag-iisip ay nakakamit ng mga atleta. Inilalayo sila sa bisyo, ipinatutupad ang disiplina at itinuturo ang respeto sa bawat isa. Kung sa football naman ay passion, ability and joy ang buod ng kanilang paglalaro,” ani Zubiri.

Itinataguyod ni Zubiri ang isang total national sports development program.

“We want to have a comprehensive national sports program, a total program that will enhance opportunities for all Filipino athletes,” sabi ni Zubiri.

“By total, we mean that we will look to increase financial support through the National Sports Associations and provide adequate and high-quality sports equipment. We need better incorporation of sports in education, especially in the public school system, year-round not just for the intermittent Palarong Pambansa,” dagdag pa nito.

Ipinanukala ni Zubiri ang pagpapaayos sa mga sports facilities sa bansa.

“To seriously upgrade the practice and facilities of sports medicine nationwide. To ensure a steady stream of talents fighting for the country, we need to make the physical foundation of our athletes as solid as their competitors’. Health is wealth and medals, too. Our kids in the Homeless World Cup are very admirable with Payatas youngs­ters competing strongly abroad,” sabi ni Zubiri.