Romero cited for shooting contributions

MANILA, Philippines - Saying he wants to give others a chance to lead, businessman-sportsman Mikee Romero yesterday declared he won’t be seeking another term as president when the Philippine National Shooting Association (PNSA) holds its elections on Feb. 16.

Despite a strong clamor for him to seek a complete four-year term this time, Romero declined the offer to head one of the country’s most active sports associations, saying others are also capable of running the association.

He also cited that his involvement in several projects of his business might limit his participation in the various activities of the PNSA.

“I will be doing a disservice to the association if I will continue to cling on my position while I’m out most of the time,” said the 41-year-old Harbour Centre owner  who served the association for a little over 18 months.

Romero took over the remainder of the four-year term left by Olympian Art Macapagal in June of 2011 after he was voted by the directors of the five aggrupations – shotgun, rifle, pistol, practical shooting and non-ISSF.

Romero is cited for his important innovations – the establishment of the first electronic target system at the Marine Shooting Range,  expanded PNSA membership and member shooters’  exposure in international competitions.

He also managed to convince Asian Shooting Federation president Shiek Salman to give shotgun specialist Brian Rosario a slot in last year’s Summer Olympics in London.

With the help of secretary-general Col. Danilo Gamboa, treasurer Marcia Cleofas and executive director Larry Paredes, Romero organized a membership data base and established a merit system. The association now has its own website.

“No favoritism because we have our own merit system. For that, nawala rin ang palakasan,” added Romero, who sometimes had to personally finance the participation of Filipino shooters in international competitions.

Romero also introduced a new shooting craze – the PNSA Bench Rest rifle group – propagation of the small bore (.22) and big bore rifle groups (.223), and won for the country the right to host the 2013 Southeast Asian Shooting Association (SEASA) Championship.