LEARNING FROM THE THAIS

The Philippine Star
12/07/07

For the sixth time since its inception in 1959, the kingdom of Thailand is hosting the biennial South East Asian (SEA) Games, and is bent on regaining sports supremacy in the region from reigning overall champion Philippines.

And the fact that they will be hosting the Games outside the capital of Bangkok and boasting of a brand new, modern sports complex, the Thais have already emerged as big winners outside the sports arenas.

After earlier hosting the much bigger Asian Games in the northern city of Chiang Mai, the official unfolding of the 24th Sea Games in the North Eastern region of Nakhon Ratchasima sends that unmistakable message of progress.

The center of all the action would be at the newly-built $77-million sports complex in honor of King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who celebrated his 80th birth anniversary last December 5.

The sports complex will have a 20,000-seat main stadium, two other smaller gymnasiums with a seating capacity of 5,000, tennis courts, an aquatics center, a cycling velodrome, and other sports venues and facilities ready for the SEA Games.

Stark contrast

The 2005 Manila SEA Games, in contrast, had most of the major events in Manila at the pre-war era Rizal Memorial Sports Complex, built even before the first edition of the SEA Games in 1959.

The Rizal Sport Complex was one of the best and most modern of its time, and indeed a showcase of the country's glorious sporting history. The fact that it is still being used for international sports events, however, is also an indication of how far behind we have been in terms of sports development and infrastructure, a lack of vision and foresight in sports, which would not augur well for the reputation and image of the country.

Worse, during the Manila SEA Games, foreign as well as local athletes were complaining not of the aging venue but the numerous hazards it posed to athletes, particularly in the crowd-favorite gymnastics.

Held at the built-for-basketball Rizal Memorial Coliseum, athletes and coaches cited numerous hazards posed by the compact, ill-equipped and oven-hot venue which affected the performances of the petite12-16 year old gymnasts.

Sure, we have produced Manny Pacquiaos, Efren “Bata” Reyeses and Paeng Nepomucenos through the years, but what we really need is a strong, synergized amateur sports program where an honest to goodness grassroots talent and identification and training programs are sustained through adequate funding from both government and private sector.

This includes concentrating efforts on the priority sports and the setting up of modern sports facilities in Manila and key cities where the potential Olympian can hone his skills approximating international atmosphere.

While a new and modern sports complex of international standards would cost a sizeable amount of funds, it does need a champion in government – something that seems to be sorely absent.

Short cuts

We may have all the send offs and promises of generous incentives for the medalists, but our leaders seem to miss out on the basic fact that to produce world class great athletes and more importantly, sustain their top caliber performance, years of preparation and ample, sustained support is key.

Sadly, our bureaucrats prefer the more convenient route of riding on the crest of success of the winners, rather than cultivating would-be world champions from the grassroots with proper support through ample funding, equipment, overseas training and the construction of modern sports facilities for training purposes.

Numerous so-called sportsmen and sports lovers have been elected or appointed to top government posts, but sadly, while our sports program is still better compared to some other ASEAN neighbors, the same is rapidly being overtaken or equaled by countries we used to dominate.

With a population of over 80 million, the talents are there for the picking – what is direly needed is a no nonsense sports development program sans the ugly head of politics, internal conflicts and grandstanding.

Lessons not learned

In the 24^th SEA Games, the same old woes are again rearing their ugly heads to the detriment of the Philippines' cause.

According to news reports, days before the start of the games, track and field athletes had yet to receive their competition track shoes. The bowling team continued to be mired in controversy due to the sudden removal of its top qualifiers from the list of competitors.

The shooting team, which actually kicked off Team Philippines' campaign last week, lamented the late arrival of limited ammunition that would have been used for training.

There was that time when I pointed out that the equipment needed for a water-based sport was delivered shortly before actual competitions, denying the athletes a chance to get used to the equipment.

Making matters worse was that the equipment which should have been purchased from a European manufacturer was actually a clone or a different brand made in China. Even in sports, some shameless individuals find a way to make a fast buck at the expense of the country.

Going for gold

It may prove difficult to duplicate or approximate the 113 gold medal-haul we had in 2005 when the Philippines hosted the SEA Games. Skeptics anyway say that a key factor in the Philippines' romping away with the overall title then was the convenience of being the host nation in 2005. Well, this time, it's Thailand's turn.

Be that as it may, members of Team Philippines will surely be bent on bagging more gold medals for the country, never mind the internal conflicts and inadequate equipment and logistics they have to contend with.

We must all rally behind the Filipino athletes fighting for flag and country in Thailand. Upon their return, it would be fitting to salute their feats and gallant stand, not by just accolade and empty words, but by urging, if not compelling sports and national leaders to once and for all start working for the resurgence of Philippine sports – and Philippine pride, which is long, long overdue.

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