Escudero: Our athletes' medals priceless

MANILA, Philippines -On a night of stars and the country’s great achievers in sports, a strong message was delivered last night.

And it took no less than Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero to remind everyone of the importance of sports, for the country and for the lives of the Filipino people, the honor it brings and the promise of a better future for most.

It took Escudero, a TOYM awardee and the Young Global Leader in the World Economic Forum of 2008, five minutes to deliver his message that would have taken others an hour to convey.

“Sports brings honor to our country. But to me it’s more than that. It’s every medal won, for every bead of sweat and every drop of blood from our athletes who fight for our country. To me, that’s something you cannot buy,” he said.

A packed Centennial Hall of the Manila Hotel, including former President Fidel V. Ramos, chairman Harry Angping of the Philippine Sports Commission and president Jose Cojuangco of the Philippine Olympic Committee listened.

“Again, the achievements of our athletes cannot be matched by any amount because it serves as an inspiration and a promise of a better future for the others. The kind of inspiration we can only find in sports,” said the senator.

From great athletes like Manny Pacquiao, Rubilen Amit, Marestella Torres, and the gorgeous taekwondo girls Rani Ann Ortega, Janice Lagman and Camille Alarilla, to the young, promising ones, everybody shared the senator’s opinion.

Escudero hoped that as the Filipino people continue to look for an example, the athletes would continue to provide them.

And then came a plea, and a dream as well, for his fellow goverment officials to set aside their personal ambitions, their personal differences and help provide the athletes the support they truly deserve.

“Then we can achieve more,” said Escudero.

He said if the athletes can only feel that the officials, both in government and sports, are truly one and behind them they will give more in terms of medals in the international arena.

“And not for the officials to be with them only as they win and receive their awards,” he said.

The the youthful senator who could become a good president someday called on the private sector to throw in their support, even more than what they’ve given the athletes through all these years.

“Because the government cannot do it alone. So we seek the support of the private sector -- not only to support our athletes as they compete but when they’re fighting days are over as well.

“And so, to all who received their awards and will still receive theirs, once again I remind all of you of the importance of sports,” said Escudero.

Everybody listened.