Please, let’s forget politics

This morning, PSC chairman Butch Ramirez will exercise his first official function as the Chef de Mission of the coming SEA Games by presiding in a “brass tacks” meeting with NSA executives involved in the 11-nation conclave here late this year.

Six months are left before the Games reel off on Nov. 30 and Ramirez wants to find out how the NSAs are proceeding to prepare their athletes for war. The meeting is set at the PICC with registration at 8 this morning and the deliberations to start at 9. Ramirez is the perfect choice as CDM and should’ve been designated from the start. He is respected by the POC leadership, loved by athletes and has the trust and confidence of Malacañang. Besides, Ramirez is on top of the government agency that will dispense the funds for the SEA Games so he has the right to question every NSA participating in 529 events of 56 sports.

As CDM, Ramirez is expected to ask the NSAs to report on how they’re coming along in getting ready for the Games, what their performance projections are and what more do they need from now until the start of the Games in terms of resources, equipment and technical support. Ramirez will do everything in his power to make the SEA Games a success, not only on the staging side but also on the competitive side. This is a wonderful opportunity for the country to present itself as a destination for sports tourism so let’s not bungle it. Close to 10,000 athletes are estimated to participate in the Games with their presence translating into a major economic impact.

Here are 10 points to keep in mind during today’s meeting.

• Forget politics. The POC is heavily politicized with battle lines drawn to distinguish NSAs sympathetic to the old order and the new administration. Last week’s General Assembly meeting brought out the worst in some NSA officials as they openly resorted to foul language in an ugly display of boorish behavior. The officials are coming together today to discuss the SEA Games not who should head the POC.

• Stick to the facts. When NSAs are asked by Ramirez to assess their situation regarding preparations for the SEA Games, let the truth come out.  If there is a lack of training facilities or equipment, it should be brought out. If international exposure is inadequate, it should also be mentioned. Whatever problems there are, solutions should be discussed and steps taken to resolve issues.

• Put country above all else. Hosting the SEA Games is about proudly raising the Philippine flag high. This isn’t about which NSA is better than the other or which POC official has more NSA support. Making the SEA Games a staging success entails a lot of hard work, sacrifice and commitment. Every NSA should be ready to stand behind the country.

• Don’t raise false expectations. It’s easy to predict a mountain of medals an NSA will deliver. How to back it up is the question. NSAs should be realistic in evaluating how their athletes will perform. It’s dishonest to raise expectations which can’t be supported. If the evaluation is below par now, maybe something can still be done to turn things around. Ramirez will listen and do what he can.

• Save washing dirty linen until after the SEA Games. If an NSA has gripes or grievances, they should be stowed away in a closet for the time being and uncovered only after the SEA Games at the proper forum. Now isn’t the time to wash dirty linen. However, if the gripes or grievances have an adverse effect on the staging of the SEA Games or the performance of athletes, then they should be addressed immediately for resolution. 

• Close ranks and link arms. Ramirez has often preached the gospel of peace and unity. War isn’t the answer to a conflict situation. Understanding is. Today’s meeting is an opportunity for feuding POC and NSA officials to set their differences aside and in the interest of flag and country, work as one towards a successful SEA Games. 

• Commit to excellence. The goal is to excel, to go for gold. As host country, the Philippines has the benefit of the “homecourt” advantage. Playing for second best isn’t an acceptable mindset. Every athlete should strive for the top. Every POC and NSA official must believe that the Philippines can and will be No. 1.

• Respect leadership. There are officials with designated roles in the staging of the SEA Games. Their leadership should not be undermined. They must be respected. Their task isn’t easy. They will need the support of every NSA to make the SEA Games a success. A show of respect for the leadership in today’s meeting will go a long way in galvanizing efforts to move forward.

• Focus on the SEA Games.  At the moment, the only focus is the SEA Games, not the POC elections, not the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. The mission is to make the coming SEA Games the most successful ever. The event will set the record for most sports in SEA Games history but that record will only be remembered if the sports are conducted, managed and supervised in good order.

• Do it for the athletes. POC and NSA officials should dispense with personal agendas. This is no time for grandstanding. They should take the extra mile to support the athletes who’ll give their blood, sweat and tears to uphold the country’s honor in the field of competition.

Ramirez deserves everyone’s support in steering the country towards the successful staging of the SEA Games. It all begins in today’s meeting.