OATH OF OFFICE. Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin (2nd from left) administers the oath of office to Richard "Dickie" Bachmann (center) as Philippine Sports Commission chairman at the Malacañang Palace on Wednesday (Jan. 4, 2022). Bachmann was chairman for the PBA 3x3 prior to his appointment to head the top government sports body. (Photo courtesy of PSC)
MANILA – In his new role as Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) chairman, Dickie Bachmann looks to bring the "Alaska Aces philosophy" to the top government sports body.
"I bring with me nearly three decades of experience in organized sports, as well as the Alaska Aces philosophy I have learned and valued over the years, which is to win with integrity while helping our athletes to become better individuals off the court," Bachmann said on Wednesday, his first official day as PSC chief.
Bachmann, the brother of squash president Robert, had been with the Alaska franchise in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) since the 90s as a player out of La Salle.
After his retirement, he quickly got a role in the Aces' front office as team manager and later on their representative to the PBA board of governors.
Converge governor Chito Salud quickly tapped Bachmann to assist him in the transition after the internet service company bought the Alaska franchise lock, stock and barrel.
After parting ways with the FiberXers, Bachmann became the basketball commissioner for UAAP Season 85 even as he kept his other position as the chairperson for the PBA 3x3.
Bachmann thanked the basketball community for helping him become the leader that he is now.
"I am also grateful for the continued support of the PBA community, SBP (Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas) organization, and my mentor, Wilfred Steven Uytengsu (Alaska Milk Corporation chief executive officer)," Bachmann added.
Bachmann quickly went to work on his first official day as PSC chief, visiting its facilities at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex first thing in the morning.
He then formally took his oath of office before Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin at the Malacañang Palace.
After the oath-taking, he returned to Rizal Memorial Coliseum and called for a meeting with his three commissioners -- Bong Coo, Walter Torres and Edward Hayco.
Bachmann now looks forward to meeting with the national sports associations (NSAs) on how he can serve them, especially with a busy 2023, which includes the Philippine team's participation in the Southeast Asian Games, FIFA Women's World Cup, FIBA World Cup and Asian Games, now underway.
"I am deeply humbled to have the opportunity to serve our Philippine athletes in this capacity. I look forward to working with the NSAs, together with our PSC team members and commissioners, in order to help our athletes prepare for this year's sporting events," Bachmann said. (PNA)
