Mikee: Start 2020 Olympic prep now

SPORTSMAN-businessman Mikee Romero yesterday revived the call to implement the “godfather” system” in Philippine sports to ensure that national athletes muster enough support in their bid to end the country’s wait for a first gold medal in the Olympics.

Romero, the first nominee of 1Pacman party-list, said the country should start laying the groundwork in preparation for the Tokyo Games in 2020 with the return of the “godfather system.”

“It’s high time to bring back the godfather system in sports,” said Romero, one of the country’s youngest billionaires, who also served as godfather of the Philippine basketball team that won the gold in the 2007 Southeast Games in Thailand.

Among the members of that squad are current PBA stars like Jayson Castro, Beau Belga, and Gabe Norwood. The 2007 national team underwent topnotch training with Romero, the GlobalPort owner, bankrolling its bid.

The 1Pacman nominee also vowed to lobby for support from giant corporations for elite athletes.

“We should show our athletes love and we can only do that if we provide them  financial help as well as first class training,” said Romero. “Our athletes should be stress-free when they compete.”  Cedelf P. Tupas