PH begins preparations to host 30th SEA Games

The Philippine delegation led by flag bearer Alyssa Valdez parade during the Opening Ceremony of the 28th SEA Games held at the Singapore National Stadium, Singapore Sports Hub.
INQUIRER PHOTO/RAFFY LERMA

Preparations for the country’s hosting of the 30th Southeast Asian Games will commence within the month as top sports officials begin figuring out the sports that could help the Philippines regain regional supremacy.

Philippine Sports Commission Chair Richie Garcia said the Philippine Olympic Committee would form the organizing committee this month to identify and study the sports it feels should be included in the calendar of the biennial Games in 2019.

“We should include not only sports where we can win sure gold medals but also events where we have a chance of winning,” said Garcia.

The Philippines is vying for a repeat of its first overall championship in 2005, when Manila hosted the Games.

Athletics, boxing, taekwondo, billiards, triathlon, wushu, softball and basketball have been the country’s major source of gold medals in previous editions.

Filipino athletes collected 29 gold, 36 silver and 66 bronze medals in the Singapore Games last year.

The organizing committee will identify and settle the venues for every sport, provide public transport and hotels for athletes, coaches and officials, mobilize volunteers, and guarantee security, among others.

The Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan, Mall of Asia Arena and SMX Convention Center in Pasay, and Subic Freeport are among the possible venues.