Padilla: Donaire bout and PhilSPADA Games on

Saturday, February 4, 2012

INTERNATIONAL Boxing Federation/International Boxing Organization and World Boxing Council/World Boxing Organization title holder Fil-Am Nonito “The Filipino Flash” Donaire Jr. is gunning for his third championship crown today (Sunday morning, Manila time) against Wilfredo Vasquez Jr. of Puerto Rico for the vacant WBO super bantamweight title. The 12-round or less blockbuster is billed at the Alamodome, considered the biggest gymnasium, in San Antonio, Texas, USA. We got word Vasquez has a very impressive career record without a loss. He said in his pre-fight interview that he will knock out our boxing luminary. Of course, Donaire just laughed off the claim and added that having said that, he is more challenged to give it all during the fight.

Last year, Nonito, an adopted son of the Baguio Elderly Assembly, boxed his way to his second world boxing championship crown at the expense of Mexico’s Fernando Montiel. His victory against the Mexican was clean as a whistle. It came swift and sweet after just 2 minutes and 25 seconds during the second round. Nonito delivered the damaging left hook to the temple of Montiel which sent him crashing on the canvass for the good night kiss. The encounter was rated the best fight of the year by prestigious sports magazines all over the world. As a matter of record, Ring Magazine, popularly known as the boxing Bible elevated Donaire’s rank as the best pound for pound boxer to third place from fifth slot. On the overall leadership ladder, on the No. 1 slot, is of course our very own Manny Pacquiao, the gentleman from Saranggani with Floyd Mayweather and Juan Manuel Marquez occupying No. 2 and 4, respectively. We are happy and proud that at least two Filipino boxers are in the best pound for pound ringsters in the world today.

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The other Sunday, we offered a Holy Mass for Nonito’s triumph at the NCCB Shrine of the Brown Madonna, along Km. 7, Asin Rd. We offered prayers for Nonito and Wilfredo that no serious injuries will befall them. Meanwhile, we are deeply elated that Nonito, together with world pool Filipino wizard Dennis Orcollo, was voted as Athlete of the Year 2011 by the Philippine Sportswriters Association. The two top sportsmen will lead a core of the most outstanding athletes and sports personalities, National Sports Association and supporters during the awards rites scheduled at the Manila Hotel on March 3.

Sorry that this event was not well publicized as only a few papers carried stories on the ongoing PhilSPADA National Games set from Feb. 3-6 at the Marikina Sports Park. The national sports association for the differently-abled (PhilSPADA) is primarily a nationwide sports organization dealing with sports programs for the differently-abled persons and persons with disabilities. Competitions in wheelchair basketball, volleyball and other target, water and other ball sports highlight the ongoing sports conclave.

According to PhilSPADA president Michael Barredo, “The tournament aims to give these athletes a chance to compete in tournaments like the pro-athletes.” On the other hand, host Marikina Mayor Del de Guzman said they are giving the participants the opportunity to show their skills as well as prove that they can also excel in their chosen sport. The sportsfest was organized by PhilSPADA with the support of the Philippine Sports Commission and the Philippine Olympic Committee.

Meanwhile, I share 100% and 1 the views and observation of sports columnist Bill Velasco of the Philippine Star about “equal incentives for differently-abled athletes.” He underscored the existing disparity between that of the differently-abled athletes and the abled athletes about the prevailing incentive scheme. In short, why are the performing gold, silver and bronze medalists in the recent ASEAN Paragames for the physically disabled athletes getting only 1/3 cash incentive compared to the P1 million for gold, P500 thousand for silver and P300 thousand for bronze achievers in the recent 26th Southeast Asian Games held last year in Indonesia? Why? This he said is a long standing situation in Philippine sports which needs urgent attention by the concerned sports hierarchy (Congress, PSC, POC). There is clear disparity in the present cash incentive allotment, to say the least. I agree without second thoughts.

“There is a pending bill in Congress to amend RA 9064, otherwise known as “National Athletes, Coaches, and Trainers Benefits and Incentives Act of 2001 and for Other Purposes.” If passed, it will recognize national athletes with disabilities so that they can also enjoy the same benefits equal to the able bodied athletes. Former PSC commissioner and PhilSPADA president said, “We are hoping that after three Congresses, it will finally pass with some push from other sympathetic to the cause.” As a sportsman still engaged in PWD sporting events, I also hope and pray for the best to come.