REORGANIZE the national sports associations.
Commissioner Buddy Andrada didn’t exactly call for a top-to-bottom reshuffle, but the acting chair of the Philippine Sports Commission said longtime officials of NSAs without notable achievements should go.
“There are NSA leaders who shouldn’t be there anymore. They should give it up,” said Andrada, who set an example by relinquishing his post as tennis chief a few years back to give way to a new and dynamic leadership in the sport.
Andrada said some NSA heads couldn’t keep up with the fast-paced trend in physical conditioning and nutrition and their associations remain stagnant in terms of athlete development.
“It’s hard to be an NSA president. You should be hands-on. I don’t understand why some of them still cling on their positions,” said Andrada, without naming anybody in particular.
While the PSC finances the training of athletes, Andrada pointed out that NSAs are responsible for developing athletes who could qualify to the Olympics.
Only 11 athletes represented the Philippines in the just-concluded London Games and except for boxer Mark Anthony Barriga all of them bombed out right in the first round.
Andrada said NSAs never had it so good as far as budget is concerned under the present PSC administration.
The 11 athletes and their coaches will arrive today from London at 6:40 p.m. along with Philippine Olympic Committee officials and PSC chair Richie Garcia. The PSC would welcome the entourage at the airport.