There is no substitute for victory in the coming 30th Southeast Asian Games in Manila. And there's no doubt the Filipino athletes can do it, especially in front of their adoring countrymen.
For sports leader-turned-public servant Manny Lopez, the whole country from the government, the private sector and also the common people should unite in this national endeavor.
"I think we can win the overall title on the SEA Games again. I think it can be done basta lahat tayo sama-sama," said Lopez in his appearance in the 17th "Usapang Sports" by the Tabloid Organization in Philippine Sports (TOPS) at the National Press Club in Intramuros last Thursday.
Former boxing chief and Manila District 1 Congressman Manny Lopez urges sports officials to unite for the country’s preparation for the 30th Southeast Asian Games.
But Lopez, who is widely responsible for the country's one silver and two bronze medals in boxing in the Olympics during his watch, has one piece of advice to all sports leaders and even athletes competing in the Nov. 30-Dec. 11 event.
"In the SEA Games. we can't be divided.
We can't confront our enemies on a divided front. Iisa lang ang ating minimithi kaya dapat iisa lang ang ating gagawin na paghahanda" added Lopez in the same weekly sports forum supported by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC ) and National Press Club (NPC) and sponsored by HG Guyabano Tea Leaf Drink.
"Yun mga atleta naman natin, malaki ang paniniwala ko sa kanilang kakayahan. Malaking pagsubok itong SEA Games pero nandyan naman lagi yun fighting spirit nila," explained Lopez, who is running for re-election as Representative of the 2nd district of Manila.
"Hindi tayo mandaraya pero sigurado ko, mananalo tayo."