Changes in leadership needed

Published by the Visayan Daily Star Publications, Inc.

NINFA R. LEONARDIA Editor-in-Chief & President

CARLA P. GOMEZ Editor GUILLERMO TEJIDA III Desk Editor PATRICK PANGILINAN Busines Editor NIDA A. BUENAFE Sports Editor RENE GENOVE Bureau Chief, Dumaguete MAJA P. DELY Advertising Coordinator

CARLOS ANTONIO L. LEONARDIA Administrative Officer

The 2012 Olympic Games being held in London have almost reached the half-way mark now and the young athletes from all over the world who have come to compete in the various events have displayed to the rest of humanity avidly watching how they have perfected their skills in the disciplines they are vying in.

Already champions have emerged and medals have been handed out to participants who have shown their skills and gifts, as well as the meticulous and tedious training and preparation that must have gotten into their performances, And, so far, we have seen that it is not only the BIG and powerful countries that are getting the medals, some of the smallest ones have shown excellence worth noting, and have clinched championships in seemingly difficult events.

But what about our own country, our beloved Philippines? We fared so miserably in the last Olympics held in Beijing where our delegation came home virtually with their tails between their legs. Not a single medal, neither gold nor silver or even the lowly bronze, to show for our participation. And there is the greatest fear now that we might repeat the experience all over again.

The only hope left is focused on young Mark Anthony Barriga who has been the only one to achieve a win, even if it was not a medal-earning one. Will he make it?

No matter what follows now, the past international athletic competitions seem to stress that there is now a strong need to give the sports leadership in this country a shake-up. The present ones should be patriotic enough and unselfish enough to admit that they have had their day, and have not proven much so far. Younger blood, and fresher ideas are needed, if we want to revive our hope for some international notice in the world of athletics.

Let us hope and pray that our President realizes this, and does something about it.*