The 3rd Online Sports Leadership Program (OSLP) National Sports Summit will take place from August 22 to 24 at the Cagayan State University Andrews Campus in Tuguegarao City. This highly anticipated annual event brings together sports leaders, athletes, and coaches from across the Philippines to foster collaboration, promote Olympic values, and shape the future of Philippine sports.
Historic Timing and Significance
This year’s summit comes just weeks after the Philippines made history at the Paris Olympics, where gymnast Caloy Yulo secured double Olympic gold. The event is set to build on this momentum, inspiring the next generation of Filipino athletes and sports leaders.
For the first time, Tuguegarao City—a vibrant urban center known for its rich culture and historical significance—will host the summit. This event marks a significant milestone for the city, which will welcome both international and local sports figures, including athletes, coaches, and students, to discuss the future of sports in the Philippines.
Keynote Speakers and Expert Insights
The summit will feature distinguished keynote speakers on August 23, including Jennifer Tepper, Executive Director of Soccer Without Borders (SWB), and Ilse Vanhoorelbeke, a seasoned sports professional from Belgium. Tepper, with over two decades of experience in nonprofit leadership, is dedicated to advancing equity and inclusion through football. Vanhoorelbeke, a former gymnastics coach, leads Otentiko, an organization focused on enhancing individual strengths through sports initiatives. Both will share their expertise in promoting sports as a tool for social change.
On August 24, the spotlight will be on Philippine Olympic Committee Board Member Pearl Managuelod and Olympian Mary Joy Tabal. Managuelod, known for her strategic leadership in grassroots sports development, will discuss her experiences in athlete support and sports management. Tabal, the first Filipino woman marathon runner to qualify for the Olympics, will share her journey and insights from her successful career, including her Southeast Asian Games triumphs.
Launch of the Winds of Change Project
A major highlight of the OSLP Summit will be the launch of the “Winds of Change Project,” a new initiative aimed at driving positive transformation in the Philippine sports community. The summit will also feature open forums, panel discussions, and story circles, allowing participants to engage in meaningful conversations about the future of sports in the country.
OSLP Summit Founders and Legacy
The OSLP was co-founded by three-time Olympian and Philippine Olympians Association (POA) President Akiko Thomson-Guevara and Mindanao Peace Games convener and PSC Mindanao coordinator coach Noli Ayo. Thomson-Guevara, who was recently honored with the “Olympian for Life” recognition by the World Olympians Association at OLY House Paris 2024, has been instrumental in shaping the OSLP’s mission. The first two OSLP National Sports Summits were held in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan, in 2022 and 2023.
As the 2024 OSLP National Sports Summit approaches, anticipation is building for the impact this event will have on the future of Philippine sports. By uniting leaders and fostering collaboration, the summit aims to inspire and equip the next generation of athletes and sports professionals to continue the country’s legacy of excellence.
