PSC to intensify grassroots programs

MANILA – The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) will intensify its grassroots programs to discover future Olympians.

During the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) forum at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex on Thursday, PSC chairperson Richard Bachmann said competitions such as the Batang Pinoy (15 years and under), and the Philippine National Games produced weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz and gymnast Carlos Yulo.

Diaz delivered the country's first gold medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, while Yulo bagged two gold medals at this year's Paris Games.

“Milestones were achieved to rate our performance (in Paris), I would give it a gold,” Bachmann said.

Yulo's brilliant performance and the bronze medals of boxers Nesthy Petecio and Aira Villegas was the Philippines' best showing after 100 years of competing at the Olympics.

After the celebration, the PSC is ready to buckle down to work.

“It’s time to go back to work. We look forward to continue to win in international events, intensify our grassroots and improve our sports facilities,” said Bachmann, a former athlete himself.

As the government funding arm in sports, the PSC's role is to provide financial assistance to all National Sports Associations (NSAs) and all sports.

Bachmann said grassroots development is the first of many steps all the way to the Olympics.

“You don’t know how hard it is to qualify to the Olympics, and it’s doubly hard to win a medal,” said Bachmann, who expressed his gratitude for the continued support from the government, from President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to Congress.

“I thank all the legislators for continuing to support us. And we will just continue with our mandate,” he added. (PNA)