WE’VE read and heard so much about Philippine-born American football superstar Tim Tebow, probably the most evangelical and among the more philanthropic of the world’s athletes.
A recent occurrence in local sports could keep Tebow’s ties more fascinating with the country where he was born.
Already facing turbulence overseeing 50 national sports associations and affiliated bodies, the Philippine Olympic Committee still has found it prudent to grant provisional recognition to the American Tackle Football Association of the Philippines.
Led by 40-year-old architect Bernardo Palma II, the Atfap has a steep hill to climb—propagate Tebow’s game in a country where American football is just now becoming a blip on the sports radar.
The four-club Atfap is not in a league of its own. It’s facing a challenge from an opposing group.
It costs a bundle to play American football and buy accoutrements like helmets, uniforms, paddings and cleated shoes.
So why acknowledge a sport best suited to the well-heeled and people built for grueling gridiron clashes?
The POC says it greenlighted Palma’s “compliant” group to help it obtain certification from the France-based International Federation of American Football.
When fully recognized by the POC, the Atfap won’t be a voting member. Funding for tournaments abroad would be discretionary on the part of the Philippine Sports Commission, and would have to come from the association and sponsors, says POC membership chair Joey Romasanta.
The Atfap is a carpetbagger, says the American Football Federation of the Philippines, led by Tim Beasley and his Filipino wife Desiree.
It seems that the Beasley camp couldn’t enjoy life under a white flag. Desiree slams the Atfap every chance she gets.
The AFFP is recognized by the American Football Association. Desiree says with three leagues the faction has been around longer and enjoys the luxury of American certified coaches, referees and consultants. With the Philippine Punishers, the AFFP has participated in seven international games against zero for its rival, adds Desiree.
Not true, according to Palma who said the Beasleys broke away after a falling-out sparked by an indecent team name Tim proposed.
Desiree says in the eyes of the international federation, their bloc remains the only American football body in PH with a pending certification, a claim belied by Palma. He said the Atfap is already IF-certified. Palma e-mailed me a membership letter purportedly signed by IF president Tommy Wiking.
Why the POC OKd a group “with three years of backyard football games” bothers Desiree no end. “I will get to the bottom of this,” she vowed in a phone interview.
It’s estimated that serious American football players, mainly based in Metro Manila number between 200 and 300 and growing fast.
Tebow’s game is famous for the Super Bowl, America’s biggest sporting event.
Tim was born in a Makati hospital while his parents were missionaries in Mindanao. Now with the New England Patriots, Tebow is known for his football and faith.
He is currently building a four-story medical facility for needy children in Davao City.
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The editor who gave me my first sports byline has passed on. Enrique “Eking” Gonzales was 78 when he left us with a well of memories.
“Kung magagaling kayo, nasa New York Times kayo (If you’re brilliant you should be with the New York Times),” Gonzales would challenge our batch of sportswriters to strive harder.
Several scribes in our time who chew on Eking’s bait are now news executives, sports editors and columnists.
Farewell, dear friend.