“Just play. Have fun. Enjoy the game.” –Michael Jordan
Hosting the 2017 Palarong Pambansa has catapulted Antique into the ranks of Philippines province that have embraced the spirit of the Olympics.
Among the participating youngsters, representing 18 regions nationwide, some will rise to become the country’s next aspirants for an Olympic gold medal.
For the Philippines being one of few Southeast Asian countries to yet to win an Olympic gold medal, the Palarong Pambansa serves as a precursor for bigger competitions, which, besides the Olympics, also includes the Southeast (SEA) Games, Asian Games, World Cup, and Inter-Continental Games.
Gold
With some of the country’s finest and most promising athletes currently competing at the Binirayan Sports Complex in San Jose, Antique, we expect to see future Olympics gold medalists arise, however, that require the Olympic spirit.
Whether the competition is big or small, the Olympic spirit promotes the sport of hope, a joint initiative between the International Olympic Committee, Olympic Movement stakeholders, and the local governments.
The program aims to provide young people with positive sports development opportunities, state-of-the-art training facilities, and the Olympic values of excellence, friendship, and respect.
This has contributed to the establishment of Sport for Hope Centres, which serve as a platform for social development and innovative cooperation.
Perhaps, following this year’s Palarong Pambansa, Antique will be home to such a facility.
Seminar
In 1991, I attended a seminar in Iloilo that featured Commissioner Celso Dayrit, then of the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC). He emphasized, “The spirit of the Olympics can emanate in grassroots competitions” – like the Palarong Pambansa.
“Olympism” is a philosophy of life, exalting and combining in a balanced whole, the qualities of body, will, and mind.
Blending sport with culture and education, Olympism seeks to create a way of life based on the joy found in effort, the educational value of good examples, and respect for universal fundamental ethical principles./WDJ