Perez proposes sports university for athletes
URDANETA CITY– Mayor Amadeo Perez Jr. called on the government to study the feasibility of putting up a sports university, similar to the one existing in Malaysia, to develop world-class athletes.
Fresh from his trip to Malaysia, Perez said the Philippines can earn more gold medals in Asian Games and in other international competitions if the country adopts the example of Malaysia.
He made the suggestion when he spoke during the opening ceremonies of the Private Schools Athletic Association (PRISAA) meet in Region I at the Urdaneta City Sports and Civic Center last Thursday.
However, Perez also expressed doubts that the country is financially capable of putting up a sports university.
“I doubt if the government can afford to finance that Sports University. But in the case of Malaysia, it can afford because it is emerging as one of the more stable countries in Asia,” Perez said.
He said he was surprised to learn that Malaysia has a university exclusively for its national sports development program.
At the same time, Perez called on all local government units throughout the country to have their own sports development programs that jibe with the national sport program.
He lamented that many LGUs give little priority to sports and youth development nowadays because of their tight budgets.
More than 500 athletes from Pangasinan I and II, La Union, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Laoag, Vigan, San Fernando, Urdaneta, Alaminos and San Carlos saw action in the three-day meet.
The winners of the competition will form the Region 1 team that will compete in the national PRISAA meet slated in Iloilo City next year.
The mayor hailed the ongoing PRISAA meet, headed by Dr. Gonzalo Duque, regional chairman, saying that this provided capable athletes in many tertiary private schools a chance to shine and their talents discovered.
“The athletes in the public schools are better off because they have the Palarong Pambansa to look forward to. Without the PRISAA meet, where will the athletes of private schools go after college?” Perez said. – LM
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