Equestrian Team Updates from SCOOP
By Eddie Alinea
PhilBoxing.com
Sat, 10 Apr 2010
For the sake of the athletes, in particular, and the sport of equestrian, in general, the newly-installed Equestrian Association of the Philippines leadership called on Philippine Olympic Committee president Jose ?Peping? Cojuangco to accept the chairmanship offered to him so that peace and unity can achieve within the association.
EAP secretary general Mitos Beliofsky, speaking on behalf of elected president Carissa Coscolluela, admitted during yesterday?s SCOOP Sa Kamayan weekly session that, indeed, the position of chairmanship is non-existent, but the new board can easily create the post in order that the association can move on.
?It?s a non-existent position, okay, so we create one.There?s no problem. We can always call the board of trustees into a meeting, create the position and have it approved by the general membership,? Beliofsky reasoned out.
?The court ordered us to call an election, so we could not do anything but heed that order lest we be found guilty of contempt,? Beliofsky, who was with EAP corporate secretary Tata Montilla, stressed during the forum, sponsored by ACCEL. ?And because everything has remained on hold since the leadership controversy cropped up a few years ago, we had to go on so our athletes can prepare in earnest for this year?s Asian Games and other international competitions. ?
Former Sen. Nikki Coseteng, who was also at the session agreed saying warring sports leaders should unite, reconcile, forget bickerings and think about the welfare of the athletes.
?For an association, the one and only I think that doesn?t ask help of whatever form from the government, it is surprising really that its leaders are feuding for what, I don?t know,? Coseteng, whose son Juilan used to ride and, in fact carried the country?s colors in many competitions, lamented.
?And equestrian lang ang kahit kailan, even during Julian?s time, that has not bothered government for financial aid. Kaming mga parents ng athlete and bumibili ng kabayo at equipment, nagpapakain, nagbabayad ng groom and we did anot rely on anybody?s assistance. Wala making reklamo, walang awayan at lahat nagkakaintindihan, ?the no owner of the Dilipan Preparatory School in Quezon City recalled.
?Ang equestrian lamang ang nagpapadala ng riders sa Europe, America and all the sports capitals in the world na walang nakakaalam. Basta na lang mababasa na nasa Europe na pala o saan mang lugar na walang inistorbo,? she said.
?There should be unity within the association because without unity, the athletes are the ones suffering. How can our leaders get the respect of the athletes, kung sila-sila nagaaway? ? she said.
Beliofsky said that in the past years under Cojuangco?s watch, there has not been a program. There has not been a single competition, reason why all those concerned joined hands to change the situation.
?The first step is to conduct an election. With the leadership in place we can now move on. Our athletes can prepare,? Beliofsy said, adding that Coscolluela, a party list Congresswoman, has already written the International Equestrian Federation asking that the newly-elected officer be recognized.
?We also wrote Mr. Cojuangco asking that the results of the election, which was held in accordance to the rule, be accepted for the sake of peace,? he said. ?We just hope that we can work together again. The programs are already there. Our riders will be leaving for several international competitions. Let?s support them all.?
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Eddie Alinea.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
IM Yu Tian Poh, AFM Wei Hom Isaac Tan clinch 16th Penang Heritage City International Chess Open 2024 title
By Marlon Bernardino, Sun, 29 Dec 2024Dumam-ag fights Limura for vacant OPBF fly title
By Lito delos Reyes, Sat, 28 Dec 2024Jayson Mama vs. Michael Bravo Ends in Technical Draw; Joey Canoy and Rv Deniega shine in Sanman's Last Show of 2024.
Sat, 28 Dec 2024Casama to face Fujita in Tokyo
By Lito delos Reyes, Sat, 28 Dec 2024Mirano, Bernardino, Alidani shine in Penang chess tilt
By Marlon Bernardino, Sat, 28 Dec 2024February 24: Junto Nakatani-David Cuellar Title Showdown Headlines a Bantamweight Bonanza in Tokyo LIVE on ESPN+
Fri, 27 Dec 2024Zamora, Soledad crush opponents in Bangkok
By Lito delos Reyes, Fri, 27 Dec 2024GOLDEN BOY LAUNCHES INTO 2025 WITH ERIC PRIEST HEADLINING FIRST-EVER SHOW AGAINST TYLER “HERCULES” HOWARD
Fri, 27 Dec 2024PH Fighter of the Year, Top Fighters of 2024
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Fri, 27 Dec 2024Three in line for title bids
By Joaquin Henson, Fri, 27 Dec 2024Paciones wins WBA Asia light fly title
By Lito delos Reyes, Fri, 27 Dec 2024Yanong KOs Phayom in 2nd round
By Lito delos Reyes, Fri, 27 Dec 2024Cebuana Lhuillier Tennis Team Dominates, Defends Title at 41st PCA Open Championship
By Marlon Bernardino, Fri, 27 Dec 2024MIEL FAJARDO READY FOR YOHANA IN EXCITING WBO 112 GLOBAL TODAY IN TANZANIA
By Carlos Costa, Thu, 26 Dec 2024Today! Paciones, Yanong, Zamora, Soledad Ready for Action in Highland Show in Thailand
By Carlos Costa, Thu, 26 Dec 2024