PSC goes digital for athletes’ training

The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) said digital platforms would be utilized to produce a virtual training program for athletes across all sports in partnership with the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) and the national sports associations (NSAs) as the country continues to grapple with the coronavirus disease pandemic.

“This is a partnership with the POC and the NSAs as we try to come up with a comprehensive program where coaches can go online and make virtual presentations that the athletes can carry out,” PSC Chair William “Butch” Ramirez said on Wednesday.

The global pandemic has forced athletes to stay indoors and find creative techniques to remain at the top of their game.

And with still no vaccine available to curb COVID-19, top sports officials don’t expect to see things in the local sports community returning to normal quickly.

“For now, this is a better way since most of our athletes are in their homes,” Ramirez said.

Sports-related mass gatherings are banned in areas under enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) and general community quarantine as well as the opening of sports facilities, gyms and fitness studios to the public.

Metro Manila and Baguio City, where most national athletes and coaches are based during normal times, are under ECQ until May 15.

“We just have to do our part and pray that all these things end soon,” Ramirez said.