With the full support of the government, the Philippines is participating in the largest delegation to date 33road The Southeast Asia (SEA) competition is held in Thailand from December 9 to 20, a 1,600-person team that comes mainly from team sports.
“This is our largest delegation at the maritime sports meeting,” said Abraham Tolentino, chairman of the Philippine Olympic Committee.
That number will take action in 574 games in 50 sports, almost twice the country sent out in the Phnom Penh version two years ago, in 905 of 38 disciplines. Six years ago, the country’s largest team sent before Thailand was sent to Thailand, when the country hosted its biennial competition and sent 1,115 athletes participating in 56 sports events.
The head of Philcycling stressed that this huge spike was due to the country’s decision to compete in more team events outside of traditional competitions such as basketball, football and volleyball.
“Even winter sports are there,” Mr Tolentino said.
Although the substantial increase will also add additional costs, Philippine Sports Commission Chairman Patrick Gregorio vowed to provide firm support to the national team.
“We just finished the board meeting and saw a lot of requirements for maritime competitions, whether it’s training or international exposure, we’ve given priority to those requirements.” – Joey Villar
