National sports associations seek unity, end to dispute

MANILA, Philippines - A group of NSA (national sports association) heads and officials yesterday issued a call for “unity, sobriety, mutual understanding, friendship and solidarity” among the country’s top sports officials.

In a statement released to media, they aired their concern about the current conflict between the POC and the PSC, and the former’s lack of rationale in addressing the issue.

“We demand that all concerned look deeper into the issues involved in the conflict and understand that what is at stake is the welfare of the intended beneficiary of all this: Philippine sports and Filipino athletes.

Among the signatories were Art Macapagal of shooting, taekwondo head Robert Aventajado, triathlon chief Tom Carrasco, Red Dumuk of muay thai, Judith Hakim of dragon boat, Leah Gonzalez of fencing, Bambol Tolentino of cycling, Claudio Altura of sailing, Benjamin Ramos Jr. of rowing, Romeo Ribano of squash, volleyball Rustico Camangian, Noel Buenaventura of gymnastics, Rica Cabahil of baseball, Danny Francisco of softball, wrestling’s Vince Piccio, Becky Garcia of dance sports, Julito Villanueva of tennis and Mariano Tamayo and Bong Coo of bowling.

“We express support for the efforts to clean up the Philippine Sports Commission to give it better efficiency and an improved financial position so that it can better serve the interests of the athletes,” the statement said.

It added: “We likewise stand by the PSC chairman’s pronouncement of providing equitable financial support to all NSA’s without any preferential regard or treatment towards certain NSA’s, as has been done in the past.”