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OUTGOING Philippine Sports Commission chairman Richard “Dickie” Bachmann yesterday expressed his gratitude for having “been part of remarkable milestones in Philippine sports” in his parting message after serving the PSC for two-and-a-half years.
“The most fulfilling part of public service is witnessing the potential of Filipinos to reach historic achievements. Our collective efforts have brought joy, inspiration and strength to the Filipino people,” Bachmann said in a statement.
“The country’s impressive performance in the 2024 Paris Olympics inspired the nation, especially as we celebrated the centennial year of Philippine participation in this prestigious event,” he said.
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With the all-out support of the PSC, the country reached new Olympic heights in the French capital with gymnast Carlos Edriel Yulo bringing home two gold medals while boxers Nesthy Petecio and Aira Villegas had a bronze medal each.
“Philippine sports also demonstrated its growing dynamics with our (national) men’s curling team securing the nation’s first-ever gold in any winter multi-sporting event through the 9th Asian Winter Games in Harbin, China,” Bachmann, who was an eyewitness to the event, also pointed out.
He also cited the success of Filipino athletes in the 2023 Hangzhou Asian Games, “achieving the country’s best overall ranking since the last three decades,” with four golds, two silvers and 12 bronzes for a 17th overall finish among the 45 nations that took part.
“We have also further solidified our standing in the Southeast Asian Games, with preparations already underway for this year’s edition in Thailand,” he added.
He underscored the fact that he and the PSC board “have built a strong foundation to optimize the country’s sports landscape. The proactive participation of Filipino youth in programs like Batang Pinoy and the Philippine National Games fills us with hope for a brighter future for Philippine sports.”
Bachmann also listed some of the progressive programs and policies that were initiated under his watch.
“We have also empowered sports as a tool for inclusivity, recognition, and community development through initiatives like enabling the potential of all persons with disabilities through the Philippine National Para Games, celebration of significant contributions of Women in Sports, the mobilization of communities through the Laro’t Saya Program, the preservation of Filipino culture through Indigenous Peoples Games, and the commitment to Safe Sport,” he elaborated.
Bachmann was pleased that “we have implemented policies to strengthen our grassroots and elite athlete programs, delivered organizational optimization for the PSC, and secured significant budget increases from recent years, which benefit all sports stakeholders and empower individuals to achieve their dreams.
“Major infrastructure projects are also ongoing that aim to improve athlete welfare and provide state-of-the-art training facilities in the long run.”
He paid tribute to all the stakeholders in Philippine sports, saying: “I thank the hardworking men and women of the PSC, our national athletes and coaches, the Philippine Olympic Committee, and everyone who has contributed to uplifting Philippine sports.
To the incoming chairman, Bachmann said, “I wish my successor, Mr. John Patrick “Pato” Gregorio, all the best in continuing the mission we all deeply believe in.
“I leave the Philippine Sports Commission with a deep sense of fulfilment. I am excited to see the Philippines continue to achieve even greater milestones in the future,” he concluded.
