GTK Army up vs Dayrit Fil-Ams

The best of homegrown talents go up against some of the brightest from abroad in the 2004 National Open track and field championships starting June 1 at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.

Athletics chief Go Teng Kok yesterday said the presence of foreign stars should challenge the star-studded national team and the visiting Filipino-American athletes to go all-out in the four-day tournament organized by the Philippine Amateur Track and Field Association and supported by the Philippine Sports Commission, the Philippine Olympic Committee and Microsmith Technology Systems.

"We already have foreign participants, particularly from China and Korea. But I’m more excited over the participation of seven Fil-Ams who, I’ve heard, are capable of giving our homegrown talents a run for their money."

The seven tracksters are competing as the "Philippine Overseas Team" from the Philippine Overseas Olympic Development Committee which is the product of a tieup between the Fil-Am Sports USA, Inc. and the POC.

"I would like to thank also Celso Dayrit for his role in this exciting development in the 2004 National Open.

"So now, watch out for the main event between GTK’s Army and Dayrit’s Fil-Ams," Go said, in jest.

But seriously, Go added, the participation of the Fil-Ams and the threat they pose to members of the RP Team make the country the biggest winner–either way.

Bannered by long distance ace Eduardo Buenavista, GTK’s Army reportedly welcomed, and relished, the challenge from "Dayrit’s Fil-Ams."

"They (RP Team members) should feel threatened. As for the Fil-Ams, I guarantee them automatic slots in the RP Team if they perform according to their handsome credentials.

But they can only join the team if they match the nationalism, dedication and sacrifices of the homegrown talents," said Go.

Go stressed that the Fil-Ams, if they really wanted to join the RP Team, will be required to turn into "true-blue Filipinos."

"They should take care of their papers so that they can represent the country, legally. The PATAFA will help, if they wanted. Then, while I assure them all-out support from our association, I also need their assurance that they will be on call, anytime." wherever they are, to compete as Filipinos in the SEA Games, Asian Games and the Olympics.

"As for Mr. Dayrit, I offer this friendly game. Let’s see, in the 2004 National Open who are better… GTK’s Army or Dayrit’s Fil-Ams. What say you, Mr. Dayrit?"