National athletes air support for First Gent

More than 200 national athletes and coaches from 13 NSAs (national sports associations) have manifested their support and gratitude to beleaguered First Gentleman Jose Miguel Arroyo, whom they consider the "Godfather of Philippine Sports" in an open letter circulated at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.

Among those who signed the letter citing the help of Mr. Arroyo to local sports are gymnasts Roel Ramirez, Phoebe Espiritu and Cintamoni de Guzman, marathoner Allan Ballester, wushu stars Arvin Ting, Rene Catalan and Willy Wang, judoka Nancy Quillotes and archers Abigail Tindugan and Syd Nerickzon Fraginal.

The athletes, who are among the 1,000 preparing for the 23rd Southeast Asian Games set here Nov. 27-Dec. 5 come from basketball, archery, athletics, wushu, wrestling, pencak silat, boxing, gymnastics, rowing, judo, water polo, fencing and shooting.

The letter recognizes the big boost from the sports programs of Mr. Arroyo in 2003 (Alay at Suporta sa Atletang Pilipino) and this year (Medalyang Ginto, May Laban Tayo). The First Gentleman, the letter acknowledges, has rallied the private sector to raise funds for the allowances and training of athletes preparing for the SEA Games.

According to the letter, the program (in 2003) of Mr. Arroyo proved to be the most successful cooperation between the government sports agency (Philippines Sports Commission) and the private sector.

"This unprecedented show of support by the First Gentleman provided the much needed boost for our national athletes and coaches to push ourselves over the limit to ensure our best performance (in the SEA Games)," the letter adds.

Through Mr. Arroyo, the private sector has adopted one or more sports, which now act as the sports’ "godfather" or "ninong."