GMA bats for retention of Batang Pinoy program

STA. CRUZ, Laguna — President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo said she would personally push for the continuance of the Batang Pinoy Games, which is vital for the youth who serve "as our little lamps."

The President made the commitment during her speech delivered by Philippine Sports Commission chairman Carlos Tuason before the participants and officials during the closing ceremonies of the Batang Pinoy here Saturday.

"As we said time and again, sports must be enjoyed by all sectors especially by our children so that they may continue to be strong and healthy citizens," said the new chief executive.

"Therefore, I would like to see the continuation of the thrusts and programs of Batang Pinoy as we continue to desire the full democratization of the channels of participation in local sports," she added.

Her remarks came at a time when the meet, held to discover, tap and develop new talents for the national training pool, is in danger of being scrapped with the possible change in the current PSC leadership.

The weeklong meet was regarded a success, save for the age-cheating controversies that tainted it, as it rewrote the Games’ record books.

In swimming alone, 42 records were shattered while 22 of the 26 marks in the centerpiece athletics event were also broken. The meet produced new stars in triple gold medalist in seven-year-old Carla Gonzalez, hometown bet Aiza Cometa, winner of five golds — in the 100-m and 200-m sprint races, 400-m run, 4 x 100-m and 4 x 400-m relays.