We have been living through almost a month worth of news stories, social media posts, and conversations among our circles about the Tokyo 2020 Olympic games and the inspiring athletes that comprise the Philippine delegation.
We were glued to our screens, be it our television or mobile phones, waiting for the Philippines’ first gold or simply cheering for our athletes having qualified to compete at the world stage. There’s no doubt that they delivered and thus, opened the conversation to hard-hitting topics often glamorized by podium finishes and shiny medals. Suddenly, Filipinos were talking about sports other than basketball and volleyball, the hard work it takes to be the world’s excellent at a sport, the government’s support for athletes or lack thereof, breaking gender stereotypes in different games, and the impact of sports on the youth and to the country.
We asked a few Rotaractors about their take on the Philippine run at the recently concluded Olympic games and the country’s sports scene in general.
Joshua Nikko M. Baldelomar, Past President, Rotaract Club of Caloocan, RID 3800
What did Hidilyn Diaz’ victory and the stellar performance of Filipino athletes in the Tokyo Olympics mean for you and the country?
In my own perspective, the victory of Hidilyn Diaz and the stellar performances of Filipino Athletes in recent Tokyo Olympics is totally an eye opener to each and every Filipinos out there. They are the pride of our country, but it also serves as a lesson that people only support you when you already won something big or achieve something unexpectedly. Sadly, they will not support you in the middle of your struggles or the entire process; from the sweat and long-hours of trainings and etc.
Do you think that the government should invest more on sports? Why and why not?
I definitely think that the government must invest more on sports and as well as healthcare because the athletes represent our country in international competitions.
From the facilities and the needs of every sports must be addressed, to make sure that athletes will feel the support of their own government all through-out their journey and importantly for their overall health.
On that note, what changes in the sports scene do you want to see in the Philippines?
The changes in the sport scene I want to see in the Philippines is being a country that is unified, that fully supports our athletes in every aspect that needs assistance. Being a winner is just an added blessing, but winning with the feeling that you are supported and appreciated is much better than winning alone. Because representing with your country is way better than representing your country because you will never feel that you are alone in this long process of perseverance. Considering it as bravery for all our athletes who continued and pursued their passion and heart for sports.
Remo Varquez, Life-Changing President, Rotaract Club of Zamboanga West
What did Hidilyn Diaz’ victory and the stellar performance of Filipino athletes in the Tokyo Olympics mean for you and the country?
Each Filipino athlete in the Tokyo Olympics is a principal example of a persistent and grit-driven spirit. The event has been overwhelming to me because of the fact that two Zamboangeños had snatched two medals.
Filipino Athletes had faced a lot of adversities with regards to the trainings and sacrificing their time in order to be a better version of themselves. At the present time, we are celebrating not just for the purpose of winning our first GOLD, but it’s also a celebration for the young kid whose dream is to become an Olympic Champion for our country.
Do you think that the government should invest more on sports? Why/why not?
The government must invest something to our athletes who are about to be an Olympic Champion which means that the government should only give whole support to those delegates who would bear the flag of the country on the said event, not totally investing a whole portion for sports. We must give every opportunity to every Filipino with potentials pursuing different fields from the start not just because we won in the recent Olympics. The Sports and all other fields are worth investing for.
On that note, what changes in the sports scene do you want to see in the Philippines?
I want to see the Philippine government supporting other sports rather than just limiting the focus on basketball. We have so many athletes who need support on their Olympic dreams. We should at least start showing our cheers to them in the process of acknowledging other existing sports that could strengthen our athletes as potentials for the upcoming athletic events such as the World Olympics.
CP Julian Benedict Rubio, Rotaract Club of Cosmopolitan Lucena, Rotary International District 3820
What did Hidilyn Diaz’ victory and the stellar performance of Filipino athletes in the Tokyo Olympics mean for you and the country?
For me, I think the stellar performance of our Filipino athletes in the Tokyo Olympics and even in other international competitions brought the HOPE and the JOY which our country needs especially in this time of a pandemic. Also, a lot of people including aspiring athletes and sports enthusiasts have become EMPOWERED to pursue their dreams and to TRUST the process of their journey. All these, because of the PUSO NG ATLETANG PINOY whether it be MEN or WOMEN, PANALO ang DUGONG PILIPINO.
Do you think that the government should invest more on sports? Why/ why not?
Given that the Philippines is still part of a third world country, we still can’t afford to really invest “more” on sports and our athletes for the fact that our main objective still is to emancipate poverty. What our government can do is to efficiently connect the sports organization to the private sector and come up with programs that will develop our sports system to be able to add that FIRE POWER within our athletes.
On that note, what changes in the sports scene do you want to see in the Philippines?
The sports scene used to be political in terms of the development of athletes due to the scarce resources of our Government where “palakasan” is the way to be. But with the overwhelming support of the private sector who really have the passion for sports like the MVP group of companies, Ramon Ang of SMC and many other Captains of the Industries, the athletes are now gradually given equal opportunities to display their talents and take pride in carrying the Philippine Flag competitively.
Ernest Nid Abueme, Immediate Past District Rotaract Representative, District 3870
What did Hidilyn Diaz’ victory and the stellar performance of Filipino athletes in the Tokyo Olympics mean for you and the country?
It means so much for me and the entire nation. Her victory made an impact that we cannot forget. She bagged the gold medal in weightlifting. The first Olympic gold medal of our country came from a strong woman!
Do you think that the government should invest more on sports? Why or why not?
Definitely. Our government should invest in sports. As we can see, based on our performance in this year’s Olympic games, the Philippines leads in the Southeast Asia Olympic haul. This proves that our country is a strong contender and I believe that our athletes can improve their performance if our government can sufficiently provide for their needs, it can result to greater achievements.
On that note, what changes in the sports scene do you want to see in the Philippines?
I want to see our country supporting other teams aside from our Men’s National Basketball Team. Athletes from other sports deserve the support and love that we show to our basketball team.
