Why the Philippines should invest more in sports

Sports are much more than a pastime. Throughout history, athletes around the world have proven that sports are more than just a recreational activity. It is more than just entertainment, it is a path to excellence.

Local and national athletes show us and the world how Filipinos can excel through sports. They compete in various competitions – local championships, sports association competitions, Filipino boyor National Games— and even represented the country in international sporting events such as the Southeast Asian Games and the Olympics, where they performed exceptionally well by showcasing the results of seemingly endless training, discipline, perseverance and, most importantly, sportsmanship.

Win or lose, we Filipinos are proud of our athletes. We recognize the hard work, sacrifices, and courage they have to compete. Despite this, sports remains an area where support is lacking in the Philippines.

As the 2024 Paris Olympics get underway, our representatives continue to prove to us that Filipinos are capable of standing shoulder to shoulder with representatives from countries across the continent (who just happen to have strong government support) and truly winning.

Our athletes have extraordinary potential. The only thing that holds them back from reaching their full potential is the government’s support, if any. That being said, considering that most Filipino athletes are still students, it’s time for the Philippine government to invest more in sports.

more opportunities

If sports in the Philippines are adequately funded, athletes will have more opportunities. This will allow sports institutions to provide our athletes with the infrastructure and equipment they need to prepare for competition. Access to these resources will help improve coaching and training opportunities, ultimately increasing athlete capabilities and competition opportunities.

In addition, this investment will facilitate the creation and implementation of development programs that may enhance grassroots capacity. Many Filipinos aspire to become athletes but do not have the opportunity and platform. Through these initiatives, we support and nurture their passion for sports while enabling them to get closer to their dreams.

Increase participation in sports

Money brings progress, progress brings opportunity, and opportunity drives more people to participate in sport. As we improve the sporting landscape of our country, we open up more opportunities and inspire more of our fellow citizens to get involved.

As we encourage more Filipinos to participate in sports, we foster a new generation of sports enthusiasts and athletes, laying a solid foundation for the future of Philippine sports. To maintain this high level of participation, the government and related agencies must commit to continuously strengthening the sports system and providing our athletes with the intrinsic and extrinsic motivation they deserve. Just think, we could probably produce more champions like Hidilyn Diaz and Carlos Yulo!

Multiple intelligences are important

By participating in sports, Filipinos can also develop many forms of intelligence—most of which are physical, interpersonal, and self-awareness. Intelligence is not always about books, paper, and pens. Sports are another way for Filipinos, especially the youth, to learn, grow, and develop holistically.

Gone are the days when only academic intelligence and excellence were valued in the Philippines. As the nation adapts to the changing times and needs, we also realize that traditional education does not fully encompass the broad spectrum of human potential. As we understand the multidimensionality of intelligence, we can also teach others the value and role of sports in all-round development.

These three points are just a few of the many reasons why the Philippines needs to invest more in sports. We are seeing brands taking action to reward and support our athletes, especially those who make us proud on the international stage. If they can do it, there is no reason why our government cannot do the same, or even better.

Providing more funding for sports has become a priority at this moment. This is about giving our athletes the resources they need to thrive and bring honor to the country. We must not in any way deprive them of the opportunity to perform at their best and reach higher levels. Now is the time to provide them with the support they truly need and have long called for.

McCanley Ollie A fourth-year student at the University of the Philippines, Baguio, majoring in Broadcast Communications and minoring in Journalism, he started working at Now You Know PH as an intern and reporter. Currently, he writes and occasionally publishes opinion pieces for the organization, focusing on youth, current situations, and marginalized communities.