JV tells athletes to focus on Olympic bid

MANILA, Philippines - While sports leaders are deliberating on their approach in the coming Southeast Asian Games, San Juan Rep. JV Ejercito Estrada batted for sending a “lean and mean delegation” to the Myanmar Games and all the while preparing the athletes for the ultimate goal – the Olympics.

Philippine Olympic Committee and Philippine Sports Commission officials are up in arms over the Burmese hosts’ decision to drop some Olympic sports like lawn tennis and gymnastics and insert regional sports like vovinam and kempo and are contemplating on whether to field a full complement or merely a token delegation.

“We should focus on training athletes that can win the gold in the SEA Games,” said Ejercito Estrada, a member of the House Youth and Sports Committee.

“With that, the athletes will be able to gain experience, as he or she prepares for the next goal and that’s making it to the Olympics and hopefully win our first gold medal. This should be the focus of our sports leaders,” added the son of former President Estrada.

Sports leaders feel with the SEAG program in Myanmar, the Philippines’ chance of improving its No. 6 finish in the previous edition in Indonesia practically goes down the drain.

Ultimately, however, Ejercito said the focus should be on the build-up for the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, where the Philippines will continue its hunt for the elusive gold medal.

“I truly believe that Filipino athletes are capable of winning in the Olympics. But they need proper training, preparation, exposure, and of course, the solid backing of the government,” said the 43-year-old solon.

In line with this, Ejercito urged the POC and PSC to strengthen the country’s base for athletes and potential Olympians.

“If our grassroots program is solid, we’ll surely develop athletes who can make us proud,” Ejercito Estrada said.