Panukalang National Academy of Sports

MARAMING atleta at mahilig sa sports ang umaasang maisasabatas na ang Senate Bill No. 2019 (pagtatatag ng National Academy of Sports) ni Senator Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada. Ayon kay Jinggoy, “Sa marami nang pagkakataon ay napatunayan na natin ang husay ng Pilipino sa iba’t ibang larangan ng sports. Isang halimbawa nito ay noong 2005 Southeast Asian Games kung saan ay naging over-all winner ang Pilipinas at nakalikom ng 113 gold medals. Dahil dito, kailangan ang pagsuporta ng pamahalaan upang matiyak ang pag-unlad ng sports program sa ating bansa gayundin ng mga atleta at kanilang mga tagapagsanay.”

Base sa panukala, itatatag ang Academy bilang attached agency ng Philippine Sports Commission, at mag­­kakaroon ito ng nationwide network of satellite training centers sa iba’t ibang panig ng bansa.

Pangunahing mga layunin ng Academy ang mga sumusunod:

•  serve as the education and training arm for the development of athletes capable of winning gold and other medals and of sports manpower;

• train and grant degrees, in coordination with the Department of Education, educators in different levels of specialization through academic degree programs;

• train and accredit coaches, trainers, sports managers, referees, umpires, community sports psychologists, sports medicine practitioners, through non-degree programs;

• conduct basic and applied research relevant to physical education and sports;

• establish and maintain linkages with international academic institutions and organizations for continuing upgrading of sports manpower and the improvement of the academy and its sports curriculum and programs;

• formulate and implement a material development program which shall directly manage, maintain, preserve, and gather data or information for Sports Medicine laboratory, Sports Museum, Sports Library or Sports Bank;

• provide opportunities for potential athletes to attain certificates, diplomas or degrees of completion in the elementary, high school and college education; and

• extend assistance in the conduct of athletic training, international exchange program and sports distance study program.