1,600-strong Philippine Team to compete in 33rd SEA Games

Sports

THE Philippines is sending what is by far its biggest contingent to the 33rd Southeast Asian Games, which will be held in Thailand from Dec. 9 to 20.

Philippine Olympic Committee president Abraham Tolentino confirmed that the country will be fielding a 1,600-strong delegation in the biennial multi-sport event.

The number will eclipse the country’s 1,115-strong team that formed when it hosted the meet six years ago. The upcoming Philippine delegation will almost double the 905-strong delegation that competed in the same event in Phnom Penh.

In the year-end competition, the Philippines will compete in 574 events in 50 sports, said Abraham.

The number of athletes competing for the country significantly increased as the Philippines will join more team events outside the traditional ones like basketball, football and volleyball.

Tolentio said Team Philippines will compete in winter sports such as ice hockey and ice skating.

Newly installed Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) chair Patrick Gregorio assured that despite the massive delegation, the Philippine Team will get ample support from the government.

Gregorio said the PSC will help the country’s preparation for the SEA Games by funding training or international exposure.(CCM)