Macapagal, Aventajado join forces

Art Macapagal of shooting and Robert Aventajado of taekwondo have formalized their strong alliance for the Nov. 26 Philippine Olympic Committee elections.

Macapagal, a two-time Olympian and half brother of President Arroyo, is targetting the presidency while Aventajado is eyeing a third term as chairman of the Olympic body.

While they have yet to form their ticket, their partnership should give incumbent POC chief Jose Cojuangco of equestrian a serious challenge in the elections.

Macapagal recently turned 66 and was feted by President Arroyo, Philippine Sports Commission chairman Butch Ramirez and a big group of NSA (national sports association) officials.

Someone who was present during the birthday bash said President Arroyo was happy that her half brother is seeking the POC presidency that carries a four-year term.

“There is a need to unite all sports leaders if we have to turn around the fortune of Philippine sports,” Macapagal told mediamen Friday evening.

Shortly after the Macapagal-Aventajado tandem was firmed up, support from their NSA officials has started pouring.

Macapagal, only the second Olympian to seek the POC’s top post after the late Sen. Ambrosio Padilla who served as basketball and PAAF head decades ago, explained that the POC has a two-fold role: an instrument for human development and vehicle for achieving excellence in competitive sports.

“It’s on this premise that I’m adopting a six-point agenda to guide the activities of the POC for the next four years,” Macapagal said.

The agenda was crafted by Macapagal with inputs from other NSA heads like Dayrit.

Cojuancgo is eyeing a second term and is hoping that his own alliance with Go Teng Kok of athletics could give him the numbers needed to win the coveted position.

There are 40 voting members in the POC, and a simple majority of 21 votes is needed to win.

Cojuangco has yet to name his chairman although reports said Manny Lopez of boxing is on line. Monico Puentevella of weightlifting is also being considered.

Aventajado and Puentevella had wanted to run as president, too, but had to step aside. Dayrit, of fencing, has also backed out of the race to support Macapagal.

Top priority in the Macapagal agenda is a long-term “Olympic Gold” program aimed at the 2012 London Olympic Games and beyond through talent identification and formation of an “elite athlete’s pool”, implementation of a comprehensive program to enhance the competitiveness of athletes and the effectiveness of coaches.

He added that the program should encompass the physical fitness, mental toughness and technical ability of the athletes.

The soft-spoken shooting chief said he will use his experience as an Olympian, an NSA head and a management man to serve as catalyst for change in his bid to improve the country’s sports fortunes.

Macapagal’s second priority is to coordinate with government agencies leading to an “Integrated National Sports Development Program.”

He also wants to establish the “Philippine Business Sports Foundation” with the help of businessmen who are willing to support local sports and our athletes.