THE Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) is taking another big step towards sports development by pursuing an international sports education program for major sports community stakeholders beginning July.

PSC Chairman Butch Ramirez said the sports education program to be offered under the Philippine Sports Institute (PSI) in partnership with the United States Sports Academy will strengthen the competency of the country’s sportsmen.

“If it (sports development program) can help sports in the country, the PSC has more reason to pursue it,” said Ramirez, who was accompanied by Commissioners Ramon Fernandez, Celia, Kiram, Charles Raymond Maxey and Arnold Agustin, PSI head Mark Velasco, PSC grassroots sports development program head Dr. Sergio Opeña and PSI deputy training director Prof. Henry Daut during a press briefing at the PSC Administration Bldg. in Vito Cruz yesterday.

“This is very timely because we are preparing for the Asian Games and Southeast Asian Games we are hosting next year,” added Ramirez, who also revealed that the government sports agency has already allocated a budget of P25-million for the program.

Ramirez admitted national team coaches have difficulty in their communication skills , especially during international competitions.

Opeña said one of the program’s objectives is “to strengthen the competency of the country’s sportsmen.”

Daut, on the other hand, explained that “target students are POC and NSA officials, personnel from state and private universities and colleges, Department of Education personnel involved in sports and of course some from the middle management of the PSC.”

“The course is a ladderized certificate and diploma program on Sports Management, Sports Coaching and Physical Education & Sport Coaching,” he explained.

Based on the program, the USSA will provide the instructors who will come to the country, while the PSC will take care of the necessary logistics.

This sports education program was finalized by Ramirez and USSA President and CEO Dr. T.J. Rosandich in Daphne, Alabama last April 5.

After the start of the courses in July, the program will continue on the second and third week of September, November, January, March and April 2019.

Application will be opened by end of this month.

Rosandich and the USSA delegation is set to arrive in the country to grace the formal launching of the sports education program. Robert Andaya