PSC set to intensify grassroots program

BACOLOD – The Philippine Sports Commission will be combing the countryside in search of future champions.

PSC chair William “Butch” Ramirez yesterday said it’s time to give the grassroots program a lift with a scientific talent search focused on youth.

“The real mandate of the sports agency is to help and build up our grassroots program and we will give it more attention this year,” said Ramirez.

Ramirez came here also as an elected member of the new ABAP executive council overseeing the staging of the 2009 Smart National Amateur Boxing Championships.

PSC commissioner Eric Loretizo said they are reviving the Philippine National Youth Games, or the Batang Pinoy, a multi-sports event for in and out-of-school kids aged 12 years old and below.

“The Batang Pinoy will be revived this year as part of our plans of putting premium to our young athletes,” said Loretizo.

The event will be held in October this year with Bacolod Rep. Monico Puentevella hosting and co-organizing it.

The PSC, however, clarified that its main role will be to support the Philippine Olympic Committee and ABAP in seeking a first Olympic gold medal in the 2012 London Games.

“While we’ll give more attention to our grassroots, we will continue to support the POC including boxing where we feel we have the best chance of finally capturing our first ever Olympic gold,” said Ramirez.