WE are all euphoric about Alexandra “Alex” Eala’s world-class tennis. Whence will there be another Alex Eala? In tennis, it may take a long time unless some parents go the way Alex’s parents did, meaning through their own efforts, their own time, their own expense.
Yet, the possibility that there are more potential Alex Ealas around is a certainty. They will need exposure to tennis courts, have rackets, get access to balls, and have instructors. And that is only the beginning. Later comes the coaching and competition. Will there be enough competitive events? Will they be able to participate in world tennis competitions where standards are the highest? That journey needs all-out support of various kinds and levels.
All of the above goes for almost every sport here, except maybe for basketball, which is ubiquitous and possible to play in made-up courts like streets, sidewalks and any vacant space, even small ones. It is also the most publicized, from the professional leagues on television, the school basketball events, the international basketball scene, particularly the US National Basketball Association leagues. One learns enough from viewing it being played. But then coaching and competition is the key to advancement.
Boxing has always had not just a following, but many in this country go into it as a sport. Mostly learned informally or in the few boxing gyms and programs around, the harvest has been good, led by Manny Pacquiao and company with antecedents before them like Pancho Villa, Flash Elorde and many more. Somehow it is almost a natural sport here. Women have had their chance at boxing and taken it well into competition. Usually, the military units do their bit for this sport. Many of our competing boxers are underwritten by military funds. It could be a larger footprint if there was more all-out support all over the country.
Speaking of women in sports, we’ve had a world-class bowler, even women billiards champions as well as track and field achievers. Men were the first to catch the public eye as bowlers and billiards champions, track stars, etc., but women are not far behind. Both men and women mostly did it on their own at the start. Others eventually became better known and had help. But support from the first would have multiplied the stars in these fields.
We also have our ladies’ soccer teams and softball teams that are doing creditably. Many girls’ schools at last have leagues for soccer and softball. If there were more including purposeful support, we could be competing and winning in international competitions.
What can be done to maximize sports in this country? Certainly, despite our national debt that just keeps going up and few are worrying about, there are still enough funds, cash or change from other projects from local governments, Department of Education allotments for sports, along with the military and some private entities. Or, there should be if there is a will to do so. So far, the support is lackluster at best.
Hidlyn Diaz, our Olympic gold medalist in weightlifting, was eventually included in a military sports program, along with other weightlifters. Somehow with her own individual best efforts in cultivating her talent, she was noticed, helped and made it. There should be others in training and supported all the way to international competition. The Philippine Sports Commission only gets going when promising athletes who have mostly managed to train somewhere practically by themselves, come into view. Then it extends help. But it should do so earlier when they are younger and ready to commit so they reach higher levels.
The sum of the above is that there are no parks, not enough athletic facilities or even knowledge of the many sports for the average youngster in this country. The few parks we have are bereft of facilities for sports. So, there is no early introduction or incentive. We need to go beyond swings and slides in our few public parks to athletic ovals, tennis courts and baseball diamonds. Open space must be found, must be made, or must be renovated into a sports arena. Yet when parks or open spaces do exist, they are turned into marketplaces for commodities rather than a center with free public sports facilities.
Some cities like Mandaluyong have no park at all and no prospects for one. The rationale is that they have used up all their public land for schools, government buildings and other excuses for putting up edifices. In cases like this, there is a solution — use public money to buy private land and turn them into parks. Even small lots can become parks with some sports facilities. But it seems never to have been contemplated. In Pasay City, there was Derham Park in the past, a donation to the city for a park. One city administration built an edifice on it for public use. But its use is not as important as it would have been as a park. Luneta Park is large and imposing except it has been cluttered with commercial buildings for fast-food outlets or government agencies. It could have had tennis and basketball courts, maybe a football field in some designated side that would not curtail its huge open space because it would not be built up.
Most adequate sports facilities are too exclusive as in private clubs and schools, and not available to everyone. Fortunately, one private company has put up an athletic village for training athletes. But it is only one such facility among all the need throughout the archipelago. We need such all over the country, especially in Mindanao.
Meanwhile, we manage to have sports figures that are virtually on their own, with limited resources, but enough fortitude and resolution come up. Think of the Yulo brothers, EJ Obiena and Hidlyn Diaz, who somehow with minimal help, much sacrifice and strong will managed to be what they are. Now they are assisted in their needs, but not before. How many more and how much more would there be of them if there were a more concentrated and organized push for sports?
Local governments should take note and take action. They have the funds after the Local Government Code was passed. At least in Baguio they have restored the public tennis courts and the athletic oval. Over in Sarangani, there is a homemade golf course, and children are taking note by using discarded golf clubs, golf balls and the area to swing away. The local congressman (Steve Solon and his wife, Michelle) has solicited used golf clubs and balls to give to these intrepid kids. It is a beginning. They tell me one has already turned pro.
I dream that one day, the State of the Nation Address will include a paragraph about funding for sports, its importance, and the willingness of the government to do what should be done. As well, it is to be hoped that private entities which can do their part for Philippine sports development.
Sports will not only lift our national spirits like Alex Eala does, but it will produce a healthier, more physically active and intrinsically sporting population. There are virtues and positive character building to indulging in sports. It will be good for the country and for all involved as well as those who are not into it because it will be a cause for unity.
Congratulations to Alex Eala, and may her tribe increase!
