Philippines need not ignore, dismiss or be dedma to its happenings on a daily basis.
Everyday, I tune into the radio and read the newspapers. Yet, I am frustrated because there doesn't seem to be a concerted effort to focus our attention to it.
I wait for the news anchors to read the medals that we've won, or even the standing of our country. Nada. Last night, I even heard a racy anchor say that the Philippines had won 13 gold medals and had the poorest performance ever. Is that true?
But I can't get a contrary view. The news reports focus on one game or one athlete but not on the over-all picture of our participation.
Then I noticed that our athletes lack support in the bleachers in Malaysia while other competitors have their countryfolks waving flags and cheering them.
How come we invest a lot of money for international competitions but the morale boosting is nowhere to be found? Why?
Physical strength could be boosted by emotional support that could come from our country and the people that we send to bring the athletes to the site.
Those who go with the athletes should bring with them a cheering squad that can be heard all over the gyms. They must also sport colorful costumes, flags, and other paraphernalia that could readily distinguish them from other cheerers and make them visible all over the place.
I hope that we would have a truly committed support for our athletes from now on. It is such a shame that our kababayan in Malaysia are there, maybe some working as second class citizens yet cannot even enjoy being praised for the good standing of our athletes there.
May I suggest: here in the Philippines, we must make all the newspapers, tri-media, including social media - carry the news -- individual and collective standings of our athletes at sports competitions, all throughout the occurrence.
Folks, I really pity our athletes. When other foreign athletes are shot by camera, they exhibit confidence and even braggadocio. But our athletes, they look timid, too humble and as if they are ashamed of being there. They lack the proud mien that they represent our country.
Maybe it's high time that the Philippine sports organizations bring in a psychologiest in their midst to boost our sagging morale during competitions and beyond.
Never mind the medals now. Let our countryfolks realize the value of sports in our consciousness and in reality, first.
"Fly high, do or die, dare to dream, cheer extreme." Author Kara, WC, Ohio, USA
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