Reviewing our sports life this weekend

This weekend, and while we have the time, it might be good to think of not only the departed but also what we the living can still do. The sports world is not exempt from quiet reflection in spite of its hoopla and hyperbole. There is still a need to ponder important issues that affect our participation in international competitions and the role of sports in our development as a country.

Here are a few things to consider as we walk in the cemetery or opt to wade in seawater somewhere out of town:

First, there is our participation in the Fiba World Cup in Spain next year from Aug. 30 to Sept. 14 and the Incheon Asian Games slated Sept. 19 to Oct. 4.

Word from Sydney where the PBA governors met is that the league wants to further synchronize its calendar and activities with national team efforts.  It augurs well for the PBA to continue supporting the Gilas team with players.  The country cheering for their Philippine team of PBA stars will surely support the players in games during regular league play. The success of Gilas Pilipinas in the last Fiba Asia is clearly just the tip of the iceberg of what success can be achieved when the basketball community comes together.

Participation in the world championships is clearly a reminder to the basketball world that the Philippines is back and should blend well for a great run at the gold medal in the Asian Games.

Second, there is the continued need to capitalize on the gains of volleyball’s resurgence.  It is great news that the Super Liga will have a tournament for men, a development that has been yearned for by most male players whose playing careers simply ended after college. The national women’s team should continue to be supported since it has already begun participating anew in international play.

Third, television and other media should continue to offer airtime and space for sports that do not necessarily attract large audiences but allow Filipino talent to shine.  There is again need for the national television network and others to continuously cover events like the Palarong Pambansa and national competitions of athletics, taekwondo, boxing, swimming and others.

Fourth, there is still a need for new sports heroes, a plea we have made repeatedly in this space.  We ache for a new generation of those like Lydia de Vega, Elma Muros, Eric Buhain, Felix Barrientos, Onyok Velasco and other sports greats who can carry our torch in fields outside of basketball.

Lastly, we yearn for improved sports programs that will improve our facilities and chances of doing well in international competition.  We can only have more sports heroes if there are more opportunities where the media and programs can come together to showcase a new generation of champions.

As we walk and pause among the dead today, let’s hope our pleas do not simply end up in some forgotten cemetery of sports dreams.