LEGAZPI, Albay. – Philippine Sports Commission Chairman Richard Bachmann is optimistic the agency’s newly-formed partnership with the Private Schools Athletic Association here will catalyze their joint effort for grassroots sports development all over the country.
“I need platforms like PRISAA to help grow sports. I need platforms like these to have good facilities regionally,” Bachmann said as he addressed PRISAA’s representatives from the country’s 17 regions following the signing of the agreement at the UST Macias Hall here.
Among those witnessing the signing of the agreement were PSC executive director Paulo Tatad, Legazpi Mayor Carmen Rosal and PRISAA national president Edgar Balasta.
“I need platforms like these so athletes don’t have to come to Manila to train. Let’s face it, after a month or two they become homesick. So hopefully we can have this as a start and grow for the good of local sports,” said Bachmann, who discarded his prepared speech and spoke off the cuff.
PSC Commissioner Ed Hayco, who together with PRISAA national executive director Elbert Atilano played key roles in having the agreement forged, echoed Bachmann’s sentiments, saying: “This landmark agreement will truly be a catalyst for grassroots sports development.
“We will be able to grow a community of sports nationally with this initiative. By a divine design, we are all here for a meaningful purpose. Today marks a historic first special step that we will all be proud of in producing future Hidylin Diazes.”
Balasta, the head of the Computer Communication Development Institute in Sorsogon, thanked Bachmann and Hayco for entrusting the task of promoting grassroots sports among its 400 member schools nationwide.
“Now, we will be able to plant a seed that we hope would flourish in the future,” said Balasta, who also acknowledged the role of Atilano in making the collaboration between the PRISAA and PSC happen.
