Wednesday, March 05, 2008 Only 10 focus sports in MF Games' revival
ONLY 10 focus sports are included in the revival of the Mindanao Friendship Games slated from on November 29 to December at the multi-million Tubod sports complex in Lanao del Norte.
Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Chairman William "Butch" Ramirez bared this to sportswriters during his visit in Davao City recently.
"We will focus on 10 sports to maximize whatever resources we have. We won't be achieving anything if we include as many sports and yet we lack the budget to fund them," said Ramirez, who introduced the Mindanao Friendship Games a few years back.
Ramorez said a private company is helping out to push through with the MFG, which is also part of the sports for peace program in Mindanao, and take off with the PSC's grassroots sports development program.
Ramirez' chief-of-staff Joseph Encabo earlier said a private company is shelling out P10 million for PSC's MFG and grassroots sports programs.
When the PSC chief was asked why bring the MFG back to Tubod, he replied: "It will be good to revive the Games to its mother place. Tubod was where the MFG was first staged in 2001."
Presidenta Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, who was ferried by a chopper, gave an inspirational message and opened the Games in that MFG inaugural.
Cagayan de Oro then hosted the MFG 2002 edition and passed it on to Mati, Davao Oriental highlighting its centennial founding celebration in 2003.
Funding constraints foiled further staging of the sportsfest for Mindanoans in 2004 to 2007. (MLSA)
