Post by rpbenchwarmer on Feb 12, 2011 7:44:54 GMT 8
Aquino: PH sports program under review
February 11, 2011, 12:54pm
MANILA, Philippines (Xinhua) -- Philippine President Benigno Aquino III said on Thursday that the country's sports program is being reviewed to "rectify horror stories" and to refocus attention on sports that Filipinos have a better chance of excelling, such as football and boxing.
Mr. Aquino made the statement when asked whether his administration will extend government support to the development of football, as requested by the Philippine Azkals Team which won against Mongolia in the first AFC Challenge Cup prequalifier game on Wednesday.
"The whole sports program is currently under review. We have been hearing a lot of horror stories over the years and we want to rectify all of them. We have a government that is not awash with resources....Taking cognizance and stock of the current sports situation...can we not concentrate on sports where we have a good chance of excelling?" he said.
He said that football "is on top of the list given what they have already demonstrated," referring to the Azkals, aside from boxing and his favored sport, shooting.
The President said he wants to encourage arnis, a Philippine sport that is "so famous worldwide but it was hardly of importance in the home country."
As for the Azkals, who paid a call on his that afternoon, Mr. Aquino said that the team "demonstrated hard work."
"Football does not have that big a pool of players but they managed to really inspire so many of our countrymen. And I think the inspiration has been reciprocated by everybody who watched both live and on TV yesterday," he said.
In his congratulatory message to the Azkals, Mr. Aquino expressed gratitude "for bringing pride and honor to Filipinos the world over."
"Your two goals showcased both Filipino creativity and the hard work that you put in to master your sport. You brought our people together, and reminded us, once again that, united, we can reclaim our nation's glory. We look forward to cheering you on toward more triumphs," he said.
Link: mb.com.ph/articles/303737/aquino-ph-sports-program-under-review
February 11, 2011, 12:54pm
MANILA, Philippines (Xinhua) -- Philippine President Benigno Aquino III said on Thursday that the country's sports program is being reviewed to "rectify horror stories" and to refocus attention on sports that Filipinos have a better chance of excelling, such as football and boxing.
Mr. Aquino made the statement when asked whether his administration will extend government support to the development of football, as requested by the Philippine Azkals Team which won against Mongolia in the first AFC Challenge Cup prequalifier game on Wednesday.
"The whole sports program is currently under review. We have been hearing a lot of horror stories over the years and we want to rectify all of them. We have a government that is not awash with resources....Taking cognizance and stock of the current sports situation...can we not concentrate on sports where we have a good chance of excelling?" he said.
He said that football "is on top of the list given what they have already demonstrated," referring to the Azkals, aside from boxing and his favored sport, shooting.
The President said he wants to encourage arnis, a Philippine sport that is "so famous worldwide but it was hardly of importance in the home country."
As for the Azkals, who paid a call on his that afternoon, Mr. Aquino said that the team "demonstrated hard work."
"Football does not have that big a pool of players but they managed to really inspire so many of our countrymen. And I think the inspiration has been reciprocated by everybody who watched both live and on TV yesterday," he said.
In his congratulatory message to the Azkals, Mr. Aquino expressed gratitude "for bringing pride and honor to Filipinos the world over."
"Your two goals showcased both Filipino creativity and the hard work that you put in to master your sport. You brought our people together, and reminded us, once again that, united, we can reclaim our nation's glory. We look forward to cheering you on toward more triumphs," he said.
Link: mb.com.ph/articles/303737/aquino-ph-sports-program-under-review