THE year 2020 was definitely a struggle for everyone -- for the world of sports in general.
Department of Education Regional Meets, scheduled in the first quarter of that year across the country, were stopped due to the Covid-19 virus as well as the staging of the 2020 Palarong Pambansa. And, most of all, the suspension of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
Aside from the sporting events, which played a huge part in the tourism industry in the country, among those most affected by the temporary stoppage of activities are our coaches, trainers, and -- of course, the student-athletes.
Furthermore, sports facilities also shot down -- losing a huge amount of revenue to the private owners and the government.
For University Games (Unigames) president Roger Banzuela, lots of things had been learned in the previous year.
"First, don't work to live but we must live first and work; second, don't love your company [you're working] too much because you don't know when you're company will stop loving you; and don't work too much. Have a break and nurture our personal relationship with our family and with God," Banzuela said.
Despite those challenging times, Banzuela remains optimistic this year. "My wishes in 2021 is for Covid-19 pandemic to end, and for us to live again a normal life and enjoy once again the sports competition as our way of life," he said.
"I also encourage everyone to pray all the time and give prayers the highest priority in our life (St. John Paul II); that the planned unification of the Philippine Volleyball Association be realized in the scheduled national assembly this February 2021; that people will learn to love and protect our environment and practice correct health protocol even after this pandemic; and that our loving merciful God will heal the world soonest," he added.
Meanwhile, Banzuela also uttered that the proposed Alliance of Philippine Volleyball Association Inc. (APVAI) is the requirement of FIVB to finally decide the true vol association in the Philippines.
"We met (virtual) last December 14. In attendance are representatives from Larong Volleyball sa Pilipinas (LVPI), Philippine Volleyball Federation (PVF), Philippine Super Liga (PSL), Premier Volleyball League (PVL), UNIGAMES, and volleyball leaders of some regions but, unfortunately, the PVF president did not participate," Banzuela said.
"FIVB required the Philippines to submit before the April-scheduled FIVB World Congress all the required documents -- including the conduct of the national election, which is open to all; the by-laws, among others so that it will be part of the agenda," he added.