Sports development and athlete empowerment in contemporary Philippines: a study on the current state of Philippine sports and the factors that influence the motivation of national athletes

Abstract

This research explores the topic of sports development and athlete empowerment in contemporary Philippines. It covers the topics of the current state of Philippine sports as well as the factors that influence the motivation of Filipino national athletes. Among these are support given to particularly their needs such as sports facilities and equipment, popularization of sports in the country (i.e. competition and media exposure), and allowances—the subjects in which affect their overall athletic performance. The study aims to identify and define these concepts, discuss the issues persisting, and provide information from the perspective and stand of national athletes. As a result from the data gathered for this research, Filipino national athletes claim that support given to sports is determined by either its popularity or the impact and number of accomplishments they have delivered and given for the nation. Proof is needed and required from them before help comes to aid their training and performance. The government and sports organizations, in a way, become selective and discriminating in this matter as they are asserted to assist only a few known sports with popular athletes. Profit-making and position in the industry is prioritized over the welfare of the country's athletes—those who basically create and provide the existence of sports in the Philippines. Philippine sports generally remain to be regressive as only a few disciplines are supported, and merely a small number of athletes improve and achieve their personal goals and dreams as representatives of the nation.