PSC to sports associations: Fund your athletes

The government’s financial reserve for sports is not a bottomless pit, with the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) having difficulty to make ends meet, so to speak.

That’s why PSC Chair William “Butch” Ramirez is now imploring all national sports associations (NSAs) to help the government agency stop the bleeding by raising money for their athletes through private sponsorships.

“NSAs are autonomous. They can raise their own funds in case the government falls short of the budget,’’ Ramirez said.

The PSC chief welcomes the possibility of a partnership between the NSAs and the private sector in the event the agency continues to feel the pinch due to the ongoing COVID-19 health crisis.Even before the pandemic, several NSAs have been raising their own finances for the benefit of their athletes with the Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association (Patafa), Gymnastics Association of the Philippines and Association of Boxing Alliances in the Philippines, among them.

“As much as we want to help them, the government cannot shoulder all the needs of our athletes,’’ Ramirez said. “We are very thankful and we welcome the private sector to come in. These companies should coordinate with the PSC so that the government can recognize their efforts.”

Patafa, headed by Philip Ella Juico, has forged a partnership with Ayala while MVP Sports Foundation has been helping the boxing and gymnastics associations as well as Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas and Philippine Taekwondo Association.

Among other sports associations with private partners are badminton, volleyball, football, karate and ice skating.