Gan PSI program officer for NCR

MANILA, Philippines — Philippine Sports Commission chairman Butch Ramirez has appointed former jungolf standout Oliver Gan as NCR program officer of the Philippine Sports Institute in an effort to help the organization’s various programs.

Gan, 35, who represented the Philippines in various international competitions during his jungolf years, has been tasked by the PSC chief to assist the agency – the PSI in particular – in his new capacity as program officer.

“He is committed to assist us and help us. Perhaps we can tap Oliver to bridge our China connections along the way,” said Ramirez yesterday, adding that Gan has a good relationship with his fellow Filipino-Chinese, including the business community willing to assist the Filipino athletes.

“I think he can work with PSI director Mark Velasco in that aspect,” added Ramirez.

Part of Gan’s role as NCR program officer is to assist the sports institute in its implementation of grassroots development program, and identification of talented young athletes as well as training areas for their development as future members of the national team.

In his first activity as NCR program officer, Gan is organizing a fund-raising golf tournament for the development of the jungolf program at Wack Wack.

“It’s a big honor for me to be appointed as NCR program officer of the PSI. It’s a chance to give back and help in the development of the country’s grassroots program,” said Gan.

“Being a former jungolfer, the golf tournament for young aspirants is just the beginning,” said Gan, who has the backing of Filipino-Chinese Amateur Athletic Federation under its president William Gosiaco for the Sino-Filipino Friendship Day Golf Tournament on May 28.