Softball head bares blueprint for grassroots

New Amateur Softball Association of the Philippines president Jean Henri Lhuillier on Wednesday vowed to work hand in hand with the various groups to ensure the rebirth of RP softball even as he stressed to focus on grassroots development to achieve their goal.

"That’s a big priority for us, we need to go deep into the provinces to discover, tap and train new talents," said Lhuillier during the induction of officers administered by Philippine Olympic Committee president Jose "Peping" Cojuangco Jr. and Philippine Sports Commission chair William "Butch" Ramirez.

"With everything settled, it is now time for us to work hand in hand with all the groups in revitalizing and popularizing softball once again," said Lhuillier, who was joined by his family that included Lhuillier patriarch and the RP Ambassador to Italy Philip Lhuillier.

Also inducted in simple rites in a restaurant in Makati City were former Asaphil presidents Harry Angping and Rolly Rivera, Luis Climaco, Pol Mathay, Venerando Dizer, Jose Maguel Jimenez, Jeffrey Santos and Jose Muñoz.

POC spokesman Joey Romasanta and legal counsel Ding Tanjuatco Jr. and PSC senior executive assistant Joseph Encabo also graced the affair.

Cojuangco advised the new Asaphil officials to amend its constitution and by-laws to avoid possible leadership problems in the future.

"My first advice is to straighten out your constitution and by-laws for your own protection," said the former Tarlac Congressman.

Angping, for his part, said he has done his best to uplift the sport in his four-year term despite a series of attempts to unseat him.

"I’m proud of what I have done to the association," said Angping, who facilitated the smooth transition by holding an election last month at the Rosario grounds. — Joey Villar