I've been tasked to be tournament director for the UAAP Judo in 2004. So today, I sent out memo number UJ2004TD-001. Consider it a milestone.
The irony is, I've never officiated nor referreed. Sure, I've trained and played and taught judo. But if I were to make an excuse for the lack of involvement, it would be because I've been averse to the politics and culture in the national sports association.
Until lately.
Recently, I witnessed how two contemporaries, Ali Sulit and Reylin San Juan have, in their different ways, shown their love for the sport in patient, consistent manner. And in their different ways, they challenged me.
I am encouraged that another judoka I respect, Dave Carter, has been highly involved in the international arena, not in the glorified competitions but in other ways that promote judo, sans the medals and the trophies. I am encouraged even more with Dave's election as Vice President of the All-Philippines Judo Federation.
I hope to meet the challenges: Ali's call to be involved in leadership and Reylin's call to be involved in organization. These people are truly inspirations and my confidence comes from knowing they are there. You just can't say no to people like them.
