‘We have a solid ‘First Five’ at the PSC’ — Gaston

RUNNING the day-to-day operation of the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) is a gargantuan task. But for newly appointed Commissioner Matthew ‘Fritz’ Gaston, the current PSC Board is armed with a solid ‘First Five’ that can face all the challenges and win the game for the betterment of Filipino athletes and the Philippine Sports in general.

The former professional basketball player and mentor for the Philippine women’s team officially assumed office on Friday, completing the government’s sports agency’s five-man Board almost 10 months since President Marcos, Jr. swept to power.

He was welcomed by Chairman Richard Bachmann at the Executive floor of the PSC Administration building in Vito Cruz, Malate, Manila. They have a brief discussion before Gaston was escorted to his office. His formal introduction to PSC’s rank and file is on Monday.

“The PSC task of supporting multiple National Sports Association (NSAs) and athletes is a daunting task which will require Solid Teamwork. I’ve been a team player all my sporting life and corporate management experience. I’m confident we have a solid First Five board with team captain Chairman Dickie Bachmann,” said Gaston, who was appointed Commissioner last March 24.

“I was Iloilo City on a business trip when I received the news from Chairman Bachmann that I was indeed appointed to the position. My family, they are happy for me because they’ve always rooted for me for sports, and they know I’m a sportsman. Even if I worked in a corporate, alam nila na love ko talaga yung sports,” added Gaston.

“This is more challenging and has a sense of purpose for me since I have been an athlete. We must take care of all the athletes, from the elite, all the way from the grassroots,” stressed Gaston, who served as Commission at the Games and Amusements Board (GAB) during the administration of the late President Noynoy Aquino.

Gaston was a member of the 1977 national youth basketball team before turning professional. He coached the national women’s basketball team to a bronze medal finish in the 2007 Southeast Asian Games in Nakhon Ratchasima City, Thailand.

“The elite must be given support to the level of Asian and Olympics. In other words, they have to be given the training, equipment and exposure at an Olympic level,” he said.

Meantime, Bachmann expressed his gratitude to President Marcos for Gaston’s appointment.

“I thank His Excellency President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. for appointing Commissioner Gaston as part of the PSC Board. Commissioner Gaston’s extensive experience and leadership in the field will certainly be an asset towards our goal of providing the most we can for our Filipino athletes, from the grassroots level up to the elite.”

“I am happy that we are coming into the second quarter of the year with a complete board. With Commissioners Olivia “Bong” Coo, Walter Torres, Edward Hayco and Fritz Gaston, the PSC board is full steam ahead in working to implement the agency’s policies, programs, and carry out the PSC’s mandate for a healthier citizenry,” said Bachmann.

The PSC is busy working for series of international tournaments and hosting this year with the Nationals set to compete in the 32nd Cambodia Southeast Asian Games and 12th ASEAN Para Games in May to June, while the Asian Games in China is slated in September.

“Rest assured that the PSC board will give our 101% support to our Filipino athletes in their pursuit of sporting excellence,” said Bachman in an official released statement.

The other members of the PSC Board are bowling icon and International bowling hall-of-famer Olivia ‘Bong’ Coo, multi-titled fencer Walter ‘Wawit’ Torres and former Cebu Sports Commission chief Edward Hayco.