Go throws hat into POC ring

Athletics chief Go Teng Kok yesterday broke his silence on the forthcoming POC elections, saying he has finally decided to challenge incumbent president Celso Dayrit who is seeking a second term.

"I will definitely run as POC president," said Go, who claims to have the support of 15 National Sports Associations (NSAs). A total of 35 votes will be cast Nov. 24 — 34 from the NSA presidents and the other one reserved for IOC representative to the Philippines Frank Elizalde.

Contrary to earlier reports, Go said there is no feud between him and Dayrit. He said he is seeking the POC’s top post simply because he wants to serve the organization.

"Wala kaming tampuhan ni Dayrit," he stressed. "I am running because I have my own program. Dayrit is a good president and the fact that I endorsed him before means he’s okay to me. But maybe there are things he’s been doing that I can do better."

A POC insider said Dayrit took Go’s decision to challenge him in the elections in stride. "Basta wala lang personalan," the source quoted Dayrit as saying.

It was Go who initiated the no-confidence vote which eventually led to the ouster of Cristy Ramos Jalasco as POC president in the middle of last year, a move which carried Dayrit to the top. In the 1996 elections, Go also ran for president but fared miserably, garnering only two votes against Jalasco’s 17 and Dayrit’s 16.

On top of Go’s platform is bringing the POC closer to the IOC by trying to host more international events under the Olympic calendar starting with the Asian level.

"There are other things which he (Dayrit) has been doing that I can’t do. But I think I can cover up with the rest. Win or lose, I’ll be happy," said Go who is expected to announce his lineup today after officially filing his candidacy before the elections committee headed by former POC head Gen. Rene Cruz.