Five reasons why we need proportionate funding for sports development

Why is basketball so popular in the Philippines, and why does it attract so much attention? Its fast-paced, team-oriented nature and regular game schedule make it a natural crowd-pleaser, engaging fans even if they don’t play the game themselves. Despite not securing Olympic medals or qualifications, basketball's popularity remains strong.

Recent discussions have suggested cutting basketball funding to reallocate resources to other sports, particularly in light of stellar performances in the Rio 2016, Tokyo 2020, and Paris 2024 Olympics. However, it's crucial to remember that basketball should not be blamed for the funding challenges faced by other sports. Fair and proportionate funding is key to fostering growth and development across all sports.

Here are five reasons why equitable funding is essential for sports development:

Diverse talent development

Proportionate funding guarantees that all sports, including basketball and volleyball, receive the necessary resources to nurture and develop talent across various disciplines. This approach helps discover and cultivate athletes in both popular and less widely followed sports. Additionally, primary education should play a role in introducing a wide range of sports to young students. Early exposure allows them to explore different sports, fostering a broader understanding and interest in various athletic activities from a young age.

Balanced growth

Equitable funding promotes balanced growth within the sports sector by ensuring that resources are distributed fairly among different sports. Regular competition and well-organized events are important for identifying areas that need improvement and for advancing sports development. This approach allows multiple sports to thrive, prevents an overemphasis on any single sport, and supports the overall health of the sports ecosystem.

Enhanced fan engagement

Fair funding and consistent promotion of tournaments play a crucial role in maintaining and growing fan engagement across various sports. Equitable distribution of resources ensures that fans remain invested in a diverse array of sports, contributing to a richer and more dynamic sports culture. To foster this engagement, it is important to organize regular regional and national tournaments, allowing fans to connect with and support local athletes. Unlike the limited annual scope of the Palarong Pambansa, which gathers all sports in a single event, ongoing and frequent regional competitions can keep sports conversations alive and strengthen community connections.

Improved infrastructure

Adequate funding plays a crucial role in developing and maintaining sports facilities, benefiting athletes and sports enthusiasts alike. Improved infrastructure creates valuable opportunities for training, competition, and community engagement across different sports.

To maximize the benefits of sports facility development, I suggest creating mixed-use facilities. These spaces can be designed to serve multiple purposes, allowing governments and wealthy benefactors to generate revenue through rentals and other activities within the facility. This approach not only supports sports but also makes the investment in infrastructure more sustainable and financially viable.

Sustainable sports development

Fair and balanced funding across all sports is key to long-term sustainability. It reduces the risk of over-reliance on a single sport and creates a competitive environment where multiple sports can thrive. By avoiding the pitfalls of underfunded sports, we ensure that athletes across various disciplines have the resources they need to compete effectively.

Sustainable sports development also means consistently seeing our flag in the winner's column at the Olympics, Asian Games, and SEA Games. While our athletes may not win every time, with sustained support, we can continue to achieve victories across a wide range of sports.

In summary, the widespread popularity and commercial success of basketball in the Philippines should not be blamed for the funding challenges faced by other sports. Basketball's global appeal and natural draw are undeniable. In light of recent Olympic results, it's essential for the government and wealthy sponsors to broaden their perspectives and invest in a diverse range of sports. Just as a variety of genres enriches the film industry, supporting multiple sports fosters a more vibrant and inclusive sports culture that benefits everyone.