Strong PSC-LGU bond key to success

The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) is preparing to adopt the formula that has made other countries extremely successful.

Chair Butch Ramirez said the PSC would revisit the blueprint on identifying focus sports where the Philippines can make it big on the world stage.

Ramirez cited the master plan of Scandinavian countries Norway and Sweden, Latin American nations Cuba and Jamaica and even Ethiopia, which has made a name in long-distance running.

According to Ramirez, it would take a strong partnership with the Department of Education and local government units to replicate the accomplishments of these countries in the Olympics.

“How many sports are there in the Palarong Pambansa? We should start identifying the focus sports at that level,” said Ramirez. “Do we have 10 or 15 focus sports? We can also determine these sports at the Batang Pinoy Games and at the Philippine National Games.”

Cuba is known for producing world-caliber boxers while Jamaica has its globally acclaimed sprinters.

“These countries start training their athletes at a very young age,” said Ramirez. “By the time they reach the Olympics, these athletes are already ripe to win a medal.”

The PSC has been setting up regional training centers all over the country with coaches from the national team.