Proposed NSA assembly gets PSC backing

Philippine Sports Commission chairman Eric Buhain yesterday threw his full support behind the proposed consultative assembly among the different national sports associations that will be represented in the 2005 Philippine SEA Games.

"This is very timely," said the PSC chief, adding that he is even willing to host the assembly, which was proposed by Sultan Jamalul Kiram III of pencak silat and Rey Jaylo of judo, probably right after the Holy Week break.

The assembly, Buhain added, will give the different NSAs a perfect chance to present their plans and programs to the government sports agency leading to the next SEA Games.

No less than President Arroyo has called onn the national athletes to give their best and help the country gain overall supremacy in the regional competition. The Philippines fell short of the overall crown by just one gold medal when it last hosted the event in 1991.

"It’s a timely call for all the NSAs to unify. And I want to think of this as a renewed partnership between the PSC and all the NSAs," added Buhain, winner of six swimming golds during the 1991 SEA Games where Indonesia emerged overall champion.

"Afterall, the PSC will be in charge of the training of all the athletes so let this partnership be a fruitful one," he said.

Buhain said the assembly must also include the NSAs that will not be represented in the next SEA Games because this should serve as a long-range program not just limited to the 2005 SEAG.