‘Best talent’ to represent country

MANILA, Philippines — Newly elected POC president Ricky Vargas said yesterday a priority in his administration is to accredit the best talent available to represent the country in international competitions regardless of political affiliations.

Vargas cited the case of swimming where outstanding athletes from Nikki Coseteng’s Philippine Swimming League (PSL) aren’t allowed to even vie for slots on the national team because they’re not affiliated with the POC-recognized NSA Philippine Swimming Inc. (PSI).  Officials of the PSL and PSI are at odds with the athletes caught in the middle of the political struggle.

“Let’s not prejudice the athletes,” said Vargas.  “The Asian Games are six months away.  My view is let the best talent represent our country.  We’ll tackle the leadership issues later.  I plan to pay a courtesy call on PSC chairman Butch Ramirez (this afternoon) and from my understanding, he also agrees with the concept of accrediting the best talent.”

Vargas said he’ll request Secretary of Foreign Affairs Alan Peter Cayetano to swear him in at the POC oath-taking rites.  “I’ve spoken with his sister Rep. Pia about it,” he said.  “Both the Secretary and Rep. Pia played key roles in winning the bid to host the FIBA World Cup here in 2023.  I worked with their father Rene, who was our lawyer, so I’ve known the Cayetano family for years.”  Vargas said he will confer with POC secretary-general Steve Hontiveros on the turnover protocol.  Outgoing POC president Jose Cojuangco, Jr. will turn over the POC flag to Vargas to formalize the transfer of authority.

“We will accord Mr. Cojuangco his due and recognition as a long-time POC president,” said Vargas.  “After the elections last Friday, I went up to Mr. Cojuangco who smiled as we shook hands.  I also went up to his daughter Mikee of the IOC, told her ‘God bless us all’ and she nodded her head.  Elections are over.  I urge everyone to join hands with me in my efforts to unite sports.  Let us work and win together.”  

Vargas said he will remain PBA chairman in a concurrent capacity.  He took over the position late last year when the pro league was in turmoil over the tenure of commissioner Chito Narvasa.  Vargas got the PBA Board’s vote of confidence to restore order as chairman.  Narvasa eventually resigned and director of communications and external affairs Willie Marcial was named new commissioner.  Vargas is also ABAP president.  Only the NSA president of an Olympic sport is qualified to be the POC president or chairman.

In the POC, Vargas is expected to appoint a chief of staff and secretary-general.  Vargas’ chief lieutenants in the ABAP are vice president Patrick Gregorio and secretary-general Ed Picson.

Vargas, 66, is the grandson of Jorge Vargas who was the national Olympic president from 1936 to 1955 and the first Filipino IOC member.  During summer vacations, Vargas used to help out in his grandfather’s office as an errand boy.  “I was 10 or 12 at that time, an elementary student,” recalled Vargas.  “I used to go to the Rizal Memorial and stay with my lolo.”  Now, over 50 years later, Vargas is at the helm of Philippines sports as his grandfather once was.