Philippine Sports Commission chairman Richard “Dickie” Bachmann is not in the business of issuing forecasts or medal predictions as the national athletes gear up for major international competitions this year.
All he wants for now is a “win-win solution” for Philippine sports in general.
“My focus will be on the athletes and make sure their needs are taken care of. I’m not thinking of how many medals or how well we will do,” said Bachmann during the Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum on Tuesday at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.
“Just make it simple. Focus on the athletes and their concerns and nothing else. Right now, I’m focused on fixing everything. If I help the athletes, then everything will follow.”
Just a month since assuming the post, the former Philippine Basketball Association player and executive has made the rounds of the training facilities for the national athletes — from Nasugbu in Batangas to as far as Baguio City.
The 54-year-old Bachmann said he will make it a point to visit the athletes and see for himself how they are being treated — from their living quarters to the mess hall.
“I told myself I will be going around to see them. They will not come to me. I will go to them,” said Bachmann, who added that foremost among his concerns is to provide the basic needs for the athletes and coaches.
That includes their monthly allowances, with no delays, to food, vitamins, uniforms and other training needs, to working closets in their living quarters.
“I’ve seen two-year-old buildings that are already dilapidated. There’s a lot to renovate,” he said during the forum presented by San Miguel Corporation, Milo, PSC, Philippine Olympic Committee, and Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation.
Bachmann said he has tapped eight to 10 consultants, “a small group of people to help speed things up.”
