GAB congratulates amateur gold medallist boxers
By Alex A. Paglumotan, GAB Commissioner
PhilBoxing.com
Mon, 05 Dec 2005
Today as we are about to preside the culmination of the 23rd Southeast Asean Games that we hosted here in the country, we are all united and in solid victory we join our triumphant athletes and officials of the nation's sports as we are about to be crowned as the CHAMPION.
With nary an iota of doubt, the Filipino athletes gave their all for the nation's pride and honor by garnering 114 gold medals, 82 silvers and 91 bronzes totalling 287 as of last night.
The remaining championship matches in volleyball and chess before the closing ceremony late this day will have no bearing to Thailand who is running a far second to us, and they can only wish to dislodge the Philippines from the number one slot. So, whether they like it or not the victorious Philippine team will be crowned the Champion of this 23rd SEAGAMES.
Again needless to mention, that our agency is only up for regulating and supervising the conduct of all professional sports in the country. However, nobody will take this against us if we take interest in our great amateur boxers. And remember, Chairman Eric R. Buhain of the GAB had been designated as one of the Sea Games Ambassadors, especially in the aquatics since he was not only once but many times a Gold Medal king of both the SEA Games and the Asian Games. And in his own right and ability, he was the predecessor to the now Philippine Sports Commission Chair Butch Ramirez. Meaning, the PSC as an institution that deals with amateur sports, many among the aspects of its development and progress, Chairman Buhain was one of those officials who have contributed for its campaign for the betterment of the Filipino athletes.
But what makes us proud and more excited is the good and oustanding performances and the showing of skills and ability being displayed by our amateur boxers who won the top eight well-earned and well deserved GOLD MEDALS in boxing. Our country now is placed as the number one in the regional level of Asean boxing, as producer of top-caliber fighters both in the male and female divisions and in various weight categories.
Perfect of course is the venue where this event was being held. The City of Smiles, Bacolod capital city of Negros Occidental, known for producing quality fighters in amateur boxing in the name of former olympic silver medalist Onyok Velasco, Asian champs Elias Recaido, the Velasco brothers, Jamilis among others who gave their best in the past to bring back the beacon from their exploits in the regional competitions held in Asia. It is but an honor that Negros boys still matter even today in the realms of Philippine amateur boxing.
I am hoping that many from among the top local executives of Bacolod City and Negros will continue to support the upcoming boxers either from the amateur and the pro level. We really take our hats off to these golden boys and girls in amateur boxing, who have done so much for the pride and glory of our nation.
"A big salute to the great gold medalist boxers of Team Philippines," said Chairman Buhain. "We are doing a lot of programs in the GAB agency, as we are preparing to welcome them in their next journey from amateur to professional boxing career in the future ... "
We know that winning the gold in the Asean is not the end of a boxer's career. There is still much to accomplish as soon as they set their foot in the professional ranks. That is why, there is so much beauty in our country's sports programs. We have this commission that is really very active in promoting and developing amateur sports from the grass roots level. And after that, we have this agency, the GAB, that will cater to the need of the athletes when they turn pro.
Plus the private sectors, who in one way or the other have given us the untiring support even in the past, other countries are now saying that, except for the ever-present politicking in the country, doubtless to say, we are already world class in terms of sports competition.
We from the Games and Amusements Board and from the entire family of professional sports organizations, SALUTE the great Filipino athletes who competed victoriously in the 23rd Sea Games! Mabuhay tayong mga Filipino!
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Alex A. Paglumotan, GAB Commissioner.
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