‘The team that works together, wins championships together’
Sports builds character and exacts discipline. Would our nation have been more progressive if it were governed by team players under an astute coach?
Always at the forefront in providing world-class continuing education for top management executives, First Pacific Leadership Academy (FPLA) expands its range of training expertise by offering several Sports Management programs, which aim to professionalize careers in the field of sports. FPLA held recently the country’s first Sports Team Management Congress at the Griffins Hall of FPLA Academy in Antipolo City.
In his inspiring keynote speech, MVP Sports Foundation chairman Manny V. Pangilinan aptly underlined the importance of FPLA’s Sports Management programs. “We’re here to celebrate people who are passionate about sports. We’re also here to celebrate the value, which underpins that passion. Sports is an important part of many people’s lives, both as a pursuit and hobby. Either way, we should have an enthusiasm for it and continue our study of it.”
In full support of FPLA’s new initiative, Roy Agustin Evalle, FPLA’s general manager and executive director, shared, “Learning is important for any endeavor in life. Sports is no exception, because sports is all about character building (values) and developing the consciousness to enhance one’s abilities (skills development). If we are able to bring together the most experienced and most knowledgeable individuals in the realm of sports, there’s a great chance that we can better the future of our teams and athletes.”
Adopting the theme “The Team That Works Together, Wins Championships Together,” the congress gathered the most respected leaders in sports including CleanTech president and CEO Salvador “Aboy” Castro Jr., PBA Meralco Bolts team manager Paolo Trillo, Global Link Travel and Tours president and Batang Gilas Pilipinas team manager Andrew Teh, Philippine Taekwondo Association assistant vice president Dr. Manolo Gabriel and Cignal TV Inc. president Jane Basas. They participated in the talks wherein they shared their insights and their respective framework in managing sports teams.
In the afternoon, senior sports marketing manager Christopher “Epok” Quimpo, Philippine Taekwondo Association Kyorugi and Poomsae head coach Igor Mella, Philippine Rugby Football Union/Philippine Volcanoes general manager Jake Robrigado Letts and Association of Boxing Alliances in the Philippines executive director Ed Picson took their spots on stage as speakers and facilitators.
Sports commentator and ex-PBA cager Albert Henry “Ali” Peek hosted and moderated the plenary session, which tackled an interesting and highly-relevant range of topics like defining the ideal role of a team manager (The Boss Man a.k.a. The Team General Manager); defining the different positions as well as corresponding roles of each team member (Many Are Called, A Few Are Chosen — Building the Dream Team); laying out the team’s objectives in line with its mission (A Champion’s Journey — Plotting a Roadmap Towards Victory); and building team brand equity through leveraging on the team’s winnings (What’s in a Name? — Building the Value of Your Team’s Brand).
The Sports Team Management Congress comes at a fitting time as there’s an increasing demand to professionalize leadership and management in sports teams. “Just like any company, a sports team is also dependent on a formal organizational structure. Composed of highly specialized talents playing different roles that are key to the team’s success, it’s imperative that they are able to work out a system that will allow them to perform more efficiently and to the best of their abilities,” shared FPLA head for sports leadership programs Arturo Aro. Coaches, teams and athletes can greatly benefit from the leadership expertise shared by FPLA, which they can apply to team management. “It’s quite common to see sports teams not able to live up to their potential due to general mismanagement — on and off the court. FPLA aims to fill the void through education.”
The First Pacific Leadership Academy was established in 2011, under the initiative of chairman Manny V. Pangilinan. FPLA is the country’s first dedicated corporate university. As a premier academic institution for higher education, FPLA offers non-degree leadership programs as well as hosts corporate workshops and modules for students, professionals and succession leaders. Each program — carefully designed by FPLA’s pool of subject matter experts — can be tailored fit for schools and different client organizations.
Located on a 10-hectare development in Antipolo, FPLA houses a full-service hotel with 67 suites, two restaurants, 14 function rooms, and indoor and outdoor venues that can accommodate events and groups of up to 1,000 people.
Photos provided by FPLA
(For more information about FPLA’s Sports Management programs, call 696-3051 or visit www.fpacademy.net. FPLA is located at 88 Km. 27, Sumulong Highway, Antipolo City.)
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