More honors for athletes here and abroad. More sporting talents from the province. More support from government and private institutions.

These are just among the hopes and wishes of sports officials and athletes for Negros Occidental sports in 2008.

“I hope Negros Occidental and Bacolod to continue as rich homeground of sporting talents and for Negrense athletes to win more honors for the country in future international competitions,” Philippine sports commissioner Eric Loretizo said.

Another sports commissioner from Negros Occidental, Richie Garcia said he hopes that more talents emerge from the province.

“I hope that Bacolod supports sports programs and for unity among sports leaders,” he said.

Garcia said that although there are already a number of standouts from the province, “it can be more if government and private sector work together”.

Talent identification programs that will yield more medals were at the center of Bacolod Rep. Monico Puentevella's hopes and wishes for sports.

“I hope the ongoing Golden Gloves inter-barangay boxing tournament will produce the first RP gold medal in the London Olympics in case we don't make it in Beijing ,” Puentevella said.

Puentevella also hopes the summer age-group basketball tournament he conducts will produce more talents, like Siverino Baclao of Ateneo so that the youth in Bacolod 's barangays will have better lives ahead.

“I also hope we continue to produce more world champions like Donnie Nietes and Gerry Peñalosa,” the solon added.

Here are the other responses of sports personalities to the DAILY STAR poll.

Roger Banzuela, varsity sports director of the University of St. La Salle : “Hoping for more support from local government units and that specialized sports program be adopted for local and international competition”.

Boyet Fernandez, professional basketball coach: “Wishing that more Negros athletes will win in the national and Asian level.

Janette Gonzaga, Gun Club of Negros Occidental: “May the Negros contingents once again bring glory and pride to the country during the World Shoot in October 2008”.

Arniel Ferrera, three time Southeast Asian Games hammer throw gold medalist: “I wish 2008 will continue to be fruitful for our hardworking athletes and coaches. For sports officials and private institutions, we hope the continue supporting athletes”.

Mitchel Martinez, 2005 Asian boxing champion: “That Negros officials will give more support especially in equipment and extend financial help to its athletes in the national team. I hope there would be more grassroots sports programs and I do hope they will recognize the athletes like us who gave honor and pride to Negros and Bacolod ”.

Manuel De Oro, provincial sports development officer-in-charge: “I wish for the return of the boxing and athletics grassroots programs of Gov. Joseph Marañon and an even wider and comprehensive scope for these programs”. *CPT

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More champions, talents from grassroots
Aim higher, athletes told