Ramirez says individual sports may be allowed

MANILA, Philippines — Philippine Sports Commission chair William “Butch” Ramirez yesterday said there is a chance some sporting events would be allowed once the enhanced community quarantine is lifted.

“During the quarantine, I recommend to the Inter-Agency Task Force individual sports and outdoor activities,” said Ramirez, mentioning golf, running, hiking, badminton singles event, softball, baseball without tagging, skateboarding, tai chi, kung-fu, taekwondo singles event and online chess.

Ramirez said Philippine sports could not fully resume because the country has yet to contain the spread of the global health malady.

“Until a vaccine is found, we cannot really organize and hold sports the way we used to before COVID-19,” said Ramirez.

Philippine Olympic Committee president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino agrees.

“Of course but with social distancing or even without fans,” said Tolentino.

This came a few days after Ramirez himself announced the cancellation of all PSC-funded events for the rest of the year including the 10th ASEAN Para Games, Philippine National Games and the Batang Pinoy.

The NCAA is also thinking of implementing extra-ordinary measures when it stages its Season 96 at a still unspecified date late this year.