Bowling icon Olivia “Bong” Coo vowed to sustain the efforts of the Philippines Sports Commission in developing Filipina athletes, who will be the future sources of pride in international competition.
Coo, a four-time world champion Filipino bowler and a World Bowling Hall of Famer, on Tuesday became the first appointee of President Bongbong Marcos in the PSC as one of the four commissioners.
“I will focus on women in sports excellence and sports for all women. Let’s make sure that our young girls are given the opportunity to engage in sports and some of them will be our top athletes on the global stage. Like what’s happening recently, our women athletes have been achieving so much in the international competitions,” said Coo, who was the newly elected president of the Philippine Bowling Federation before getting appointed as PSC Commissioner.
She is also the Philippine Olympic Committee chairperson of Women in Sports.
“I am ready to serve the Filipino people. I’m so thankful to God and President Marcos for the trust and confidence,” she added. “I have come full circle. Iyung buhay ng isang sportsman na complete ko na from being athlete, coach, sports official and administrator and now PSC commissioner. I will be able to serve not only bowling but sports in general.”
Coo is set to resign from her private posts before assuming office when the cast of commissioner and chairman are completed.
Several sports personalities are reportedly being considered for the chairmanship post, including former Philippine Basketball Association Noli Eala, Games and Amusement Board chairman Baham Mitra, former PSC commissioner Ramon Fernandez and lawyer Wharton Chan of the Samahang Kickboxing ng Pilipinas.
Among those being considered as commissioners are squash president Richard Bachmann and a veteran media practitioner.
With the appointment of new sets of leaders taking a long time, the PSC is currently under the care of Executive Director Atty. Guillermo Iroy Jr. as Officer In Charge.
Under his management was the triumphant performances of women athletes in the sports of karate, weightlifting, and football.
“For July, we have a lot of reasons to cheer for. In sports, women are brimming with success and talent for this month, and it is something to celebrate and be proud of,” said Iroy.