The optimism over the election of Ricky Vargas as Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) president is clear, but the difficult task of mending fences and rebuilding spirits of Filipino athletes remain as challenges. It would be unfair to the new administration to expect immediate stunning results and upheavals in our international campaigns.
At best, the initial gains will be in restoring confidence that yes, the Filipino can compete with the world’s finest if given ample and sustained support. This is not lost on Vargas and the team that will be assembled for the challenges. One felt that on the eve of elections where the alliance that propelled Vargas to the presidency was solidified.
There were no lengthy speeches at the dinner hosted by the Vargas team since it seemed clear that there was a united stand for a change in the leadership profile of Philippine sports.
Current and former boxers under the aegis of the Association of Boxing Alliances in the Philippines (Abap), the national sports association Vargas heads, and several NSA chiefs attended the pre-election dinner.
The biggest asset Vargas’ team will bring to the job will be their experience as sports and corporate managers where results will be the barometer. We can expect that key performance indicators will determine the strategic plans of the POC as well as the NSAs. Winning the first Philippine Olympic gold medal remains as the foremost goal as well as a reasonably acceptable number of triumphs and finishes in Asian multi-sports events.
There is a need to strengthen alliances among sporting associations that were fractured by the recent election row. No goals can be properly set if there is still distrust and disagreement. Then there will be the need to establish a sound working relationship with the Philippine Sports Commission, which will be the main source of funding for the athletes and programs.
There are bumpy roads ahead but the journey begins by starting it. As hardworking Abap executive director and broadcaster Ed Picson likes to say, “This is only the beginning folks, only the beginning.”