By Atty. Antonio P. Pekas
The Philippines became known to the rest of the world because of Alex Eala. We can have a lot more like her if only our priorities are not screwed up. While all kinds of sports should be supported and developed, more resources should be allocated for those in whom we have a fair chance of excelling. Our being addicted and supportive of basketball. Is misplaced as the odds are not in our favor. Our lack of the required height to be competitive is our main drawback. Sadly, there is no solution yet found to solve or compensate for that.
Thus, our leaders should redirect whatever resources available to sports like baseball and tennis where even short guys can be the best players.
But why sports when there are a lot more national concerns crying out also for better budgets and attention?
Sports can divert our people, especially the youth, from vices and laziness. In the process, they also become healthier. A healthy populace is an absolute requirement for national economic development.
Another important concern also needing a solution is our crab mentality. A national program should be found and implemented where those successful or have the potential to attain that should be cheered on or supported to achieve more or to reach greater heights instead of pulling them down.
For this, its our leaders or politicians who must be the first recipients or subjects of such a program. If only their brains could be straightened out not to be selfish, thinking only of their interests, and instead for the public good, then we still have hope. For the rightful athletes, chosen on the merits, not on political connections, then sufficiently supported with the right gadgets or materials and training, will surely make them competitive with the athletes of the rest of the world.
Let us learn from our brain-drain phenomenon where our most intelligent are being siphoned by other countries due to lack of support in the form of resources and proper environment for them to realize their full potential.
But then again, if our leaders can steal billions of pesos in the midst of grinding poverty, they can make athletes cry all they want but will still not be fully supported.
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