Aranas mission: educate, train new PH sports leaders

Archery chief Jesus Clint Aranas has no intention of staying in power for long if he wins the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) elections.

And part of his strategy, according to the World Achery Philippines president, is to develop great leaders who can succeed him after four years in office.

“I just want to set up Philippine sports with the right heart and leave because I really don’t want to stay beyond four years,’’ Aranas, who is running for POC president against incumbent chief Abraham Tolentino, said on Wednesday.

Aside from educating the national sports associations (NSAs) on proper corporate housekeeping in his first 100 days, Aranas will begin the training of up to 20 officials and mold them into future sports leaders.

“It should not be seen as a business, but rather an act of patriotism to bring forth the proud Filipino in the international scene through sports,’’ said Aranas, an esteemed tax lawyer and former president of the Government Service Insurance System.

To pave the way for other NSA officials to flourish, Aranas is determined to amend the POC constitution and bylaws and allow top officials of non-Olympic sports to run for the highest office in the POC. At present, only presidents of Olympic sports with four years of active service are permitted to seek the top POC posts.

“If you’re a legitimate sport recognized by your IF (international federation), your recognition should be automatic,’’ Aranas said.

Strict protocols have been set up by the POC election committee for the polls on Friday at East Ocean Palace on Macapagal Avenue in Parañaque City where 51 NSAs will cast their votes along with two members of the Athletes Committee and International Olympic Committee executive board member Mikee Cojuangco-Jaworski.