The President has asked me to personally convey his congratulations once again to the Philippines’ lone medalist in the recently concluded Barcelona Olympics: Mr. Roel Velasco. I join him in saluting Roel for his singular feat which has brought pride and honor to his country and people. Were it not for his triumph, our country would have missed out on the tally board of the Olympics that listed participating countries which have garnered medals in various competitions.

The President likewise, wishes to congratulate the Amateur Boxing Association of the Philippines, the organizers of this awarding ceremony and the people behind the grant of the cash bonus we are giving our Olympic medalist today. The entire nation is grateful for Roel’s showing in Barcelona and the monetary reward he is receiving is but a symbol of that appreciation. He rightfully deserves the cash prize for his valiant struggle to win an Olympic medal for all of us.

Our honoree’s exemplary performance and the incentive that went with it should motivate our sports-minded countrymen to aspire for greater heights in their chosen fields.

With the victory of the Philippine team in the Little League World Series the other day, our belief is affirmed that, given the proper discipline, appropriate training and sheer determination, the Filipinos can excel in international sports competitions.

Boxing is one sport where, time and again, we have shown that we can produce world-class champions or world-class competitors. Baseball is another. If bowling were an Olympic sport, we would have won in that one, too.

Sad to say, however much popular the sport is in our country, basketball may never be able to form a team that can bring the country to the finals of a global tournament due to the height disadvantage of our players.

And yet of all these sports beginning with the letter “b”, basketball has the most practitioners and followers in the country. Our professional players have attained adulation which rival that accorded to the superstars of the entertainment world. They continue to amass wealth that other athletes in other sports cannot even aspire for a part of, much less equal.

The point here is that, given our track record in boxing, baseball and bowling, our sports development program may consider giving more attention to sports where our chances of winning in the international arena are greater. We should diversify our orientations and encourage our youth to take up sports that can optimize the strengths of our males, the agility of our females, and the stamina of both genders.

If we look at the records where Asians have generally excelled at, we can safely say that the Philippines too can develop athletes in their mold. The Japanese have produced champions in gymnastics. And so have the Chinese, in addition to their diving entries that astounded the world in the Barcelona Olympics. Badminton’s medalists came from Indonesia.

My friends, you are all aware of how the President loves sports and will support its promotion and development during his term. This is a passion I share with him and that is why he sent me here today to represent him due to prior engagements.

In behalf of my father, I hope the Amateur Boxing Association of the Philippines continues to train our prospective title-holders here and abroad; and may the tribe of Medalist Roel Velasco increase.

Mabuhay tayong lahat! Thank you.