Go stepping down; Juico likely successor

A NEW chief will soon take charge of athletics.

Longtime president Go Teng Kok yesterday confirmed reports he would no longer seek a term extension when the Philippine Amateur Track and Field Association (Patafa) holds its election of officers in February.

“It seems that my health won’t allow me to continue working, so I’m retiring already,” said the colorful Patafa head, who has led the association for the past 20 years.

Go has not officially named his choice as successor but talk is rife that former Philippine Sports Commission chair Philip Ella Juico would take his place.

“The election is just a formality. I’m hoping for a smooth turnover,” said Go, also the Asian Athletics Association honorary vice president.

“The reason I want to quit is not only because of my health but because I had been declared persona non grata (by the Philippine Olympic Committee).”

The POC declared Go persona non grata after he ran into trouble with top officials of the karatedo association and of the Olympic body.

Juico represented the ailing Go during the world athletics championships in Russia three months ago and served as the delegation head of the track and field team that captured six gold medals in the recent Southeast Asian Games in Burma (Myanmar).

“In all fairness to him (Go), all of these things won’t be possible if not for the hard work and effort he has put in over the last 20 years or so,” said Juico of the strong SEA Games showing.
“That’s why we’re now in this situation as the best performing NSA in the SEA Games.”