Atleta to address need for long-term training

The showing of Filipino athletes in the last Sydney Games has renewed the need for a serious, well-funded and long-term training program that the Athletes Assistance (Atleta) project hopes to address in intensifying the country’s medal prospects in future Olympics.

Philippine Sports Commission chairman Carlos Tuason said Atleta is the PSC’s answer to the demands of a systematic, sustainable and comprehensive plan for a select group of athletic standouts in excelling in the Olympics and the Asian Games.

"The Sydney experience has shown us that one to two years of preparations for the Olympics is not enough. We must identify our Olympic potentials early and start training them as soon as possible," Tuason said. "Atleta is the PSC’s vehicle in achieving this goal."

"These athletes should look beyond excellence in the Southeast Asian Games. While they strive to perform well in the SEA Games, they must look at their efforts as stepping stones for even greater glory in the Asian Games and, ultimately, the Olympics," Tuason said.

Tuason added athletes from 16 sports have been eyed as initial beneficiaries of the Atleta program and they are athletics, archery, billiards, boxing, bowling, cycling, fencing, golf, gymnastics, judo, shooting, swimming, taekwondo, karatedo, lawn tennis and wushu.

According to commissioner Richie Garcia, Atleta project director, these performers were chosen based on the medal potentials of the sport and its track record in previous international competitions.

Under the program, the PSC has taken the initiative to scout for patrons – whether individual or corporate – to pledge their all-out support for each group of athletes that the government sports agency will link them with over a long-term period.

In return for their assistance, these benefactors will be given regular progress reports of their respective athletes and get recognition for whatever achievements they attain, including publicity surrounding their exploits.

The PSC under its charter can also grant tax deductions on the donations of these sponsors.

"Conceiving the Atleta project is in line with the PSC’s mandate of raising funds for athletes to spur sports development in the country and raise the standards of our athletes in international competition," Tuason said.