By Kyle Llamas
Bowling legend Olivia “Bong” Coo believes that being a former athlete and a national sports association official will serve her in good stead as she performs her duties as a newly appointed commissioner of the Philippine Sports Commission.
Coo, who graced the online Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum on Tuesday, was a decorated bowler with 78 medals won as a national athlete in a career spanning decades. She was also the president of the Philippine Bowling Federation prior to her appointment in the PSC.
“My position as an athlete and NSA official will help me to see both sides and I’m sure it will help me in the PSC,” said Coo.
The 74-year-old Coo discussed her plans and programs for the athletes even though she has yet to take her oath of office.
“I have to learn a lot of policies. I really hope na magampanan ko ang aking tungkulin ngayon as a [sports] commissioner,” Coo said.
Coo is aware that being a sports commissioner is an enormous job, but she vowed to be up to the task.
“Madaming trabaho, but this is exciting, maligaya ako na I could be off service to them (athletes),” she added.
Coo was also the chairwoman of the Women in Sports Commission of the Philippine Olympic Committee and named one of the Greatest International Bowlers of All-Time by the Bowlers Journal International.