"on a shoestring"

I am so honored I was able to interview Sir Claro Pellosis, a former Olympian and the tournament manager for the Athletics during the Batang Pinoy Games. We talked about his feats and the thoughts he has for this national event for the young athletes.

For almost six decades now, Mr Claro Pellosis, has been into the world of Philippine Athletics. Now at age 76, he continues to serve the Philippines thru his skills. Here’s a short interview with this inspiring man:

The Olympian Claro Pellosis

James: When did you start joining athletics?
Mr. Claro: It was a long time ago, maybe your father is not yet born when I started. It was year 1953.

James: You are part of what Summer Olympics?
Mr. Claro: At age 25, I was part of the delegation during the 1960 Roma Olympics and 1964 during the Tokyo, Japan Olympics.

James: Sir, I heard you won gold during the Asean Games. Can you tell me more about it?
Mr. Claro: It was 1962 Asean Games at Jakarta, Indonesia where I together with Romeo Vista (starter); Isaac Gomez (2nd runner) and Rogelio Onofre won the gold medal at the 4 x 100m event. We registered a new Philippine Record and Asean Record that time. Romeo and Isaac are already deceased and my friend Rogelio is based in the US now.

“We registered a new Philippine Record and Asean Record that time for the 4 x 100m.”

James: Sir, you are focused on officiating now but before I understand that you trained some of our National Athletes. Can you enumerate some of them?
Mr. Claro: I’m the personal coach of Lydia de Vega (won 8 SEA Games gold medals from the 100m, 200m, 400m and Long Jump events; and still the Games’ record holder over the 100m with a mark of 11.28 seconds that she set in 1987), Isidro del Prado (won 5 SEA Games golds ranging from 400m (thrice) to 800m and the 4x400m relay) and Hector Begeo (national record holder in the men’s 3000m Steeplechase).

James with Mr. Claro Pellosis (Sir, Can you train me for half-marathon?)

James: That’s quite an achievement sir! So what can you say about Batang Pinoy?
Mr. Claro: This is just the beginning. The kids are young so you don’t expect that much. What we have here is good because after 3 years we will see that the players have improved on their games. Because of Batang Pinoy we can scout probable athletes. We just hope we can teach them properly.

James: How can we do that exactly, sir?
Mr. Claro: I just hope that the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) would also have a training for the coaches. Because if we don’t train them nothing will happen. That is why young athletes from Baguio has an edge- the national athletes are here to help them.

“I just hope that the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) would also have a training for the coaches.”

James: Sir, I’m so honored to have you interviewed. You inspire the young! Thank you so much! Its good to see that people like you give back to the community. I hope that you will teach, train and inspire more of our young athletes. Tatay Claro, I give you a snappy salute!

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Batang Pinoy Games 2011  is a grass-roots development program organized by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) to identify young talents to be trained for the national pool of athletes. Mindanao leg was hosted by Zamboanga City (Oct 17-30); Visayas leg was hosted by Dumaguete City (Nov 10-13); Northern Luzon leg by Baguio City (Nov 24-27); Southern Luzon by Sta. Cruz City (Dec 4-7); NCR leg (Nov 29 – Dec 2); and the Finals will be held at Naga City on December 10-13, 2011.

Official website: Batang Pinoy 2011

Facebook Page: Batang Pinoy (PSC Grassroots Program)