Full-scale training for top SEAG bets in January

THE rigid training of the 150 priority athletes will begin in January in line with a plan by the Philippine Sports Commission for a massive three-month preparation for the 2013 Southeast Asian Games in Myanmar.

The athletes, all medalists in the last SEA Games in Indonesia, will hone their skills in various training destinations here and abroad while coaches closely monitor their performance and progress, according to PSC chair Richie Garcia.

Officials led by Philippine Olympic Committee president Jose “Peping” Cojuangco Jr. and Garcia are determined to double the gold-medal output this time and finish not lower than fourth overall after placing sixth overall in the 11-nation meet held in Indonesia last year with 36 gold, 56 silver and 77 bronze medals.

A total of 32 sports will be played in Myanmar in December.

“The exposure of priority athletes and focus sports will be heavy,” said Garcia. “We’ll go full-time in the preparations come January. I feel we should at least be in the top three or four (overall).” June Navarro