Editorial

Would have fared better

Western Visayas finished second in the recently concluded 2005 Palarong Pambansa which was held here, with the majority of the events played at the Iloilo Sports Complex.

Though WV was only second to the National Capital Region, beating several other regions for a place in the podium is itself an accomplishment.Cheers to the athletes of WV!

But now is not yet the time to rest on our laurels. It ain't over yet, so to say.

There are things to be done, and there is still room for improvement.

Our athletes need to perfect their skills. And the government also has its obligation.

One thing that the Palaro underscores is the lack of a true and comprehensive sports program for our athletes.

Sure, our officials and civil servants would boast that there is such a program.

But what kind? One that consists of buying basketballs, rackets, nets, and the construction of basketball boards?

That is no program!

What is needed is more support for the athletes, and this includes constant training, shouldering their tuitions, giving them vitamins, and helping them gain exposure in national and international competitions, among others. Lack of funds is not an excuse. There's that scheme called 'co-sponsorship,' where private companies or persons would shoulder part of the cost in exchange for their names or products being carried on in the team name.

The sad fact is that our athletes are left to fend for themselves.

Had there been a sports program here, WV would have fared better.