SEA Games to push through
Published Mar 30, 2019 12:00 am
All's well that ends well as far as the country's hosting of the 30th Southeast Asian Games later this year is concerned.
According to Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) secretary-general Karen Tanchanco-Caballero, POC president Ricky Vargas will make sure of it.
“One thing we (POC) can assure all of you now is that the 30th Southeast Asian Games is still happening in the Philippines come Nov. 30,” said POC secretary-general Karen Tanchanco-Caballero during her appearance in the 16th "Usapang Sports" presented by the Tabloid Organization in Philippine Sports (TOPS) at the National Press Club in Intramuros.
KAREN Caballero downplays the stories in social media about the postponement of SEA Games in Manila.
Caballero, also the president of Pilipinas Sepak Takraw Association, debunked earlier reports that the country is relinquishing its right to host the SEA Games to either Thailand or Indonesia.
“That’s not true (giving up as host). In fact, POC president Vargas reiterated our commitment as host during our recent POC meeting last March 21,” said Caballero.
“We're still very much on board. We’re hopeful that other groups involved like the PSC (Philippine Sports Commission) under Chairman Butch Ramirez, and PHISGOC (Philippine Southeast Asian Games Organizing Committee), headed by Sen. Allan Cayetano are also on board.”
“Mas hopeful kami ngayon now that our budget will be released very soon para it’s all systems go na as far as preparation.”
“I understand that there are some concerns about the election fever that we need to take into consideration. But I know Filipinos are very excited about it. And once everything is in play, with the private sector and sponsors coming in, it’s all systems go."
Caballero also clarified the roles of the POC and PHISGOC as far as hosting the SEA Games.
“PHISGOC has the marketing and broadcasting team under them. Our concentration is sports side and game services,” added Caballero, who works as vice chair under POC Chairman and Cong. Abraham "Bambol" Tolentino.
Asked about the venues to be used in the biennial event which the country is hosting for only the fourth time, Caballero said SEAG venue director David Carter of judo said 90-95 percent of venues are already confirmed.
“I was told about 90-95 percent of our venues are ready. New Clark City is hosting two compulsory sports – athletics and aquatics. And based on our discussions with the BCDA, construction is right ahead on schedule. We’re confident we will be able to deliver them in the next few weeks or months.”
KAREN Caballero downplays the stories in social media about the postponement of SEA Games in Manila.
Caballero, also the president of Pilipinas Sepak Takraw Association, debunked earlier reports that the country is relinquishing its right to host the SEA Games to either Thailand or Indonesia.
“That’s not true (giving up as host). In fact, POC president Vargas reiterated our commitment as host during our recent POC meeting last March 21,” said Caballero.
“We're still very much on board. We’re hopeful that other groups involved like the PSC (Philippine Sports Commission) under Chairman Butch Ramirez, and PHISGOC (Philippine Southeast Asian Games Organizing Committee), headed by Sen. Allan Cayetano are also on board.”
“Mas hopeful kami ngayon now that our budget will be released very soon para it’s all systems go na as far as preparation.”
“I understand that there are some concerns about the election fever that we need to take into consideration. But I know Filipinos are very excited about it. And once everything is in play, with the private sector and sponsors coming in, it’s all systems go."
Caballero also clarified the roles of the POC and PHISGOC as far as hosting the SEA Games.
“PHISGOC has the marketing and broadcasting team under them. Our concentration is sports side and game services,” added Caballero, who works as vice chair under POC Chairman and Cong. Abraham "Bambol" Tolentino.
Asked about the venues to be used in the biennial event which the country is hosting for only the fourth time, Caballero said SEAG venue director David Carter of judo said 90-95 percent of venues are already confirmed.
“I was told about 90-95 percent of our venues are ready. New Clark City is hosting two compulsory sports – athletics and aquatics. And based on our discussions with the BCDA, construction is right ahead on schedule. We’re confident we will be able to deliver them in the next few weeks or months.”