Sports are way greater than a pastime. Throughout history, athletes across the globe have proven to us that sports do not end as a mere recreational activity. More than recreation, it has also become an avenue to exhibit excellence.
Local and national athletes did not fail to show us, and the rest of the world, how Filipino excellence can be translated through sports. As they compete in various competitions—in local tournaments, Athletic Association Meets, Batang Pinoy, or Palarong Pambansa—or even represent the country in international sports events like the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games and the Olympic Games, they exhibit excellence by showing the fruit of their seemingly unending training, discipline, tenacity, and most importantly, sportsmanship.
Win or lose, we, Filipinos, take so much pride in our athletes. We recognize the intense work they put in, the sacrifices they make, and the bravery it takes for them to compete. And despite these, sports continue to be an under-supported field in the Philippines.
With the ongoing Paris 2024 Olympics, our representatives continue to show us that Filipinos have what it takes to come neck and neck with representatives from countries across the continent—who happen to be well-supported by their government—and, actually, bring home victory.
Our athletes possess potential that goes over and beyond. The only thing that stops them from fully realizing their potential would be the support they are receiving from our government, if any. That said, it is high time that the Philippine government invests more in sports, considering that most athletes in the country are still students.
Greater opportunities
Greater opportunities for athletes would open if sports were funded well in the Philippines. It would make it possible for agencies involved in sports to provide our athletes with the infrastructure and equipment they need for their preparations. Having access to these resources will be beneficial to improve coaching and training opportunities, which will ultimately result in improved competence and increased competition exposure.
Furthermore, this investment would catalyze the creation and realization of development programs that may foster capacities at the grassroots level. There are many Filipinos who aspire to become athletes but are not afforded the opportunity and platform to do so. Through these initiatives, we support and cultivate their passion for sports while enabling them to take a step closer to their dreams.
Increased sports participation
Funding leads to progress, progress generates opportunities, and opportunities drive increased sports participation. As we improve the status quo of sports in the country, we open up accessible opportunities and inspire more of our countrymen to get involved.
As we encourage more Filipinos, we cultivate a new breed and generation of sports enthusiasts and athletes and establish a solid foundation for the future of Philippine sports. And to maintain this heightened participation, the government and related agencies must commit to enhance the system consistently and provide our sportspeople with the intrinsic and extrinsic incentives they deserve. Come to think of it. We may produce more champions like Hidilyn Diaz and Carlos Yulo!
Multiple intelligences matter
Through sports participation, Filipinos can also nurture their multiple forms of intelligence—most of which are bodily-kinesthetic, interpersonal, and intrapersonal. Intelligence is not always about books, papers, and pens. Sports serve as an alternate avenue that allows Filipinos, especially the youth, to learn, grow, and develop holistically.
Gone are the days when academic intelligence and excellence only mattered in the Philippines. As the nation adapts to the changes and needs of time, we also realize that traditional education does not comprehensively cover the broad spectrum of human potential. And as we understand the multidimensional nature of intelligence, we can also impart to others the value and role of sports for holistic development.
These three points are just a few among the many reasons why the Philippines needs to invest more in sports. We have seen brands step up, offering rewards and support to our athletes, especially those who have made us proud on the international stage. If they can, there is no reason our government cannot do the same—or even better.
Better funding for sports, at this point in time, has already become a dire necessity. It is about giving our athletes the resources they need to thrive and bring honor to our nation. Let us not, in any way, deprive them of the chance to be at their best and reach greater heights. It is time that we offer them the support they truly need and long called for.
Mac Khenlee Oli is a fourth-year student at the University of the Philippines Baguio, majoring in Broadcast Communication with a minor in Journalism. He began working with Now You Know PH as an intern and correspondent. Currently, he writes and contributes occasional opinion pieces to the organization, focusing on the youth, the status quo, and marginalized communities.
Comments