Lingayen–Governor Amado T. Espino, Jr. said the province is all set to establish a Sports Academy next year to help hone the sports prowess not only of Pangasinan athletes but all athletes from the different parts of the country who desire to undergo rigid in-house training.

This he revealed as he welcomed some 2,000 athletes, technical officials and coaches during the opening rites for the five-day Batang Pinoy Northern Luzon Leg last October 9 at the Narciso Ramos Sports and Civic Center (NRSCC).

He also announced that the national government is keen on putting up a Regional Training Center in Pangasinan which will be incorporated with the sports academy of the province.

Espino expressed elation over for the new opportunity after the province’s successful staging of Palarong Pambansa 2012 last May.

“Isa pong malaking karangalan sa Pangasinan ang muling bigyan ng pagkakataon na maghost ng larong pampalakasan na nangangahulugan ng pagtitiwala sa kakayahan ng aming lalawigan,” the governor said, adding that his administration fully supports the national government’s thrust in promoting youth and sports development in the country.

Meanwhile, Jose “Peping” Cojuangco, President of Philippine Olympic Committee (POC), commended the leadership of Espino, especially with his vision to further promote sports among the youth.

The national government’s thrust, according to Cojuangco, is to focus on a sports development program that will help bring out the “natural ability” of Filipino athletes.

“We are looking forward of launching a sports program that will hone our young athletes via scientific training,” Cojuangco said as he noted that under the said training scheme, three areas will be focused, which include the proper training facilities, proper training methods, and proper nutrition for the young athletes.

The POC president said that out of 95 million Filipinos, 20 million constitute the youth populace.

“Mas maganda na gumawa tayo ng magandang pamamaraan para mahubog ang talent ng ating mga manlalaro through scientific training which other countries are now using,” he disclosed.

On the other hand, Ricardo R. Garcia, President of Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), revealed in his keynote address that the national government has contemplated on the promotion of grassroots sports to reach the farthest and remotest areas in the country.

“This is the reason why Batang Pinoy was revived two years ago,” he said even as he noted that Batang Pinoy caters not only to the in-school-youths aged 15 and under but also to the out-of-school-youths.

“Marami pong out-of-school youth ang nasa remote areas na mahusay sa iba’t-ibang larangan ng sports at layunin po naming na madiskubre at hasain ang kanilang talent,” said Garcia.

Game proper for Batang Pinoy Northern Luzon is held from October 10 to 13 with different playing venues for the various sporting events. (PIO/Ruby R. Bernardino)

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