Forever in sports

There’s a world sports competition that’s open to forever athletes and to even the playing field, organizers set up brackets according to five-year age groups. The World Masters Athletics Championships began as an outdoor conclave in 1975 with an age floor of 35 and events in track and field, road running and cross-country running. It has since been held every two years. An indoor version was started in 2004.

Records show that athletes in their 100s have competed at the World Masters. Age brackets start at 35-39. Last year, the Philippines was represented by Lorna Vejano and Erlinda Lavandia at the Worlds in Brazil. At the previous competition in 2011 in Sacramento, Emerson Obiena took the gold medal in pole vault and Lavandia, the bronze in javelin. In 2009 in Finland, two-time Olympian Elma Muros claimed the gold in long jump in the 40-44 class and Obiena the gold in pole vault in the 35-39 category.

On the regional level, the Asia Masters Athletics inaugurated its version of the veterans competition in 1981. The Philippines has participated in the Asian edition since 1996 and the Worlds since 2003. On the local front, the National Masters and Seniors Athletics Association of the Philippines (NMSAAP) is the governing body that supervises participation in Asia and the Worlds. The president is Manny Ibay, a long-distance runner. The NMSAAP is recognized by the POC, PSC and PATAFA.

Through the years, Filipinos have performed creditably at the Asian and World Masters. Veterans Lerma Balauitan, Mona Sulaiman and Lolita Lagrosas were among the past medalists. In 1996, a delegation of 12 athletes represented the country in its Asian Masters debut and brought home four gold, four silver and two bronze medals from Seoul. At the 17th Asian Masters in Taipei two years ago, a delegation of 24 athletes captured eight gold, seven silver and five bronze medals. Over 2,500 athletes from 18 countries participated in the event with the theme “Enjoy Action In Life.”

Muros could’ve delivered two more golds in Taipei but was scratched out of the 200-meter hurdles and long jump after pulling her hamstring. She had previously claimed the gold in the 100-meter dash.

This year, the Japan Masters Athletics Federation is hosting the 18th Asian event in Kitakami City on Sept. 19-23. Federation president Kiyoshi Konoike said 2,500 athletes from 20 countries are expected to compete in 27 events for men and 24 for women. The Philippines has assembled a cast of 20 athletes, namely Jose Ang, Margarito Baniqued, Julio and Salve Bayaban, Victorina Calma, Antonio Chee, Mario de Santos, Susan Ealdama, Danilo Fresnido, Edward Kho, Lavandia, John Lozada, Edward, Emerson and Jeanette Obiena, Muros, Elenita Punelas, Dennis Scott, Reynato Unso and Vejano.

Calma, a lawyer with the Romulo, Mabanta, Buenaventura, Sayoc and De los Angeles firm, said the athletes are paying their own way and some are hard put to cough up the cash. “Since the PSC has its funds focused on other NSAs and competitions, we are constrained to fund our own travel,” said Calma who is competing in the 40-44 class in the 800-meter, 1,500-meter and 4x100 relay events. “With the travel nearing on Sept. 18, payments are soon required. I urgently need to raise money to allow several members to compete in Japan.”

Calma said the PSC promised to reimburse athletes who bring home medals. “We’re being asked to invest,” she said. “If we deliver medals, we’ll be paid back for our expenses. If not, we’ll take the loss.” Calma estimated a budget of P50,000 for each athlete, excluding food allowance in Japan.

The oldest athlete is Scott, an American based in Tagum, Davao del Norte. Scott, 66, is booked in the 100-meter and 400-meter hurdles. Calma said she’s a late bloomer in sports. “I started out as a recreational runner,” she said. “I never competed in college. I just evolved into a competitive runner and now, I want to be able to assist others in gaining the opportunity to participate in an international event like the Asian Masters. I’ve seen runners in their 90s still displaying good form and enjoying the competition. I think it’s wonderful that there are Masters events for seniors.”

Calma said she’s hoping to generate support for four particular athletes – Muros, 47, Lozada, 41, Fresnido, 42, and Punelas, 44. “Elma is the most popular of the athletes,” she said. “Elma plans to compete in the long jump, 100-meter dash and 4x100 relay in the 45-49 class. John is the current Philippine record holder in the 800-meter run since 2002. He’s now retired and enlisted with the Philippine Navy. Danilo is the current Philippine record holder in javelin since 2009 and continues to be in the training pool while enlisted with the Philippine Army, Fire and Artillery Division. Elenita is a former national team member in the long jump, now retired and coaches. She is with the PATAFA technical commission. She hopes to compete in the long jump and 4x100 relay in Japan.”

Brandishing the slogan “Sports For All,” the Asian Masters has created opportunities for the middle-aged and senior veterans to get back on the track and test their limits through athletic competition. Calma’s efforts in facilitating the travel of key athletes in the Philippine delegation to Japan shouldn’t go unnoticed. She’s trying her best to keep the dream alive of Filipino senior athletes to bring honor and glory to our country. For sure, Calma deserves to be supported. These senior competitors serve as inspiration to other forever athletes who believe that sports is for all ages and for all seasons.