SUNSTAR Superbalita sports editor Jun Migallen broke the news the other day that sportsman Lorenzo Chao Sy is set to replace Edward Hayco as chair of the Cebu City Sports Commission (CCSC). Chao Sy has a rich history in sports, one that dates back to the ‘70s in his involvement with local basketball. And a certain University of San Carlos standout named Mon Fernandez, more than three decades later, he’s in charge of the most active sports commission in this side of the country.
Ed Hayco has done everything and should be lauded for his nine-year stint at the CCSC. I remember all too well when he first got appointed and he called friends and sources for inputs and the very first thing I told him was, “Don’t take it, sir.”
I was afraid the amiable Hayco would suffer the same fate as that of Jonathan Guardo, who gave his all for the CCSC, and got a jail sentence for his efforts because of politics.
I’m glad that Sir Ed not only did not heed my advice, he proved almost all naysayers wrong by changing the culture in how a sports commission should work and inspiring others to do the same.
Chao Sy said that he plans to bring in Dr. Rhoel Dejano, Jessica Jawad-Honoridez and Gerald Canite in the CCSC, all experienced people who are involved in sports. I particularly like the inclusion of Dr. Dejano, as sports medicine isn’t something that is a primary consideration in the sports commission level. Heck, only schools with deep pockets can afford a doctor and athletes often only get to see a doctor when the pain is unbearable.
Perhaps Dr. Dejano can help spread the right practices when it comes to athletes’ preparation and care.
Athletes follow certain practices because they’ve been told it has to be done that way, not knowing if there’s scientific basis for such. An example would be when Freddie Roach first had a session in Cebu with local boxers, and a regional champion asked him after a training session if it was true that fighters go blind if they sleep right after a fight. All the renowned trainer had to say was it was the first time for him to hear of such claim.
Most of the coaches in the school teams, especially the public schools, are overworked teachers who take on extra duties and may not have enough time to attend seminars and classes to catch up with the latest methods. And I think this is where Dr. Dejano can step in.
Jessica Honoridez, too, is a pedigreed coach of the University of Cebu, who has since been named the school’s athletic director. Unparalleled in her achievements in table tennis, she brought that expertise to other sports when she assumed her new spot at UC, while Gerald of the Doce Pares fame is now part of a group that to get arnis to succeed, it shouldn’t matter whether you are part of Doce Pares or whatever group.
All of the four mentioned have their strengths and visions. I’m sure too that they have their weaknesses and their detractors. But for now, what is important is to share their vision and give them support, for the good of Cebu sports.