Outgoing Philippine Sports Commission chair William “Butch” Ramirez yesterday officially turned over the reins to Harry Angping in rites coinciding the 19th anniversary celebration of the sports agency at the Rizal Badminton Hall.
“Chairman Harry Angping, I’m abdicating to you the Philippine Sports Commission with a very rich tradition of 19 years, great tradition of good men and women who worked in difficult times,” said a teary-eyed Ramirez.
“There were a lot of disagreements, lot of dreams. We know you are very capable, welcome and good luck,” Ramirez said.
“With faith in God and total commitment, I accept the responsibility of being the eighth PSC chairman,” said Angping, who was accompanied by wife and third district Manila Representative Naida.
Angping said his first thrust would be to strengthen the institution, particularly the rank and file and win the country gold medals not just in the 2009 Laos Southeast Asian Games and the 2010 Asian Games in China but also in the 2012 London Games.
“Loyalty, unity and get the gold medal. We will start in Laos and then Guangzhou and finally in London,” said the former softball chief and Philippine Olympic Committee board of director. “I’m appealing to all the employees, the rank and file, let’s work as a team.”
While aiming for the gold, Angping said the prediction of POC president Jose “Peping” Cojuangco Jr. that the country will capture 100-120 golds in Laos is “too optimistic.”
“Let’s be modest right now. I can’t give any projection, there are only 300 plus medals in 25 sports and then almost 10 of the sports we’re not participating so you’re talking of only 15 sports. I think it’s too optimistic, the figure is too optimistic,” he said.
Fr. Vic Uy, SVP, celebrated the Mass also attended by commissioners Eric Loretizo and Joey Mundo as well as former chair and GAB chief Eric Buhain and Aparicio Mequi among others.