Olympic Council of Asia president meets with Aquino

MANILA, Philippines — Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) president Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahad Al-Sabah of Kuwait Thursday extended sympathy to the victims of Supertypoon “Yolanda” during his brief meeting with President Benigno Aquino III in Malacañang.

Al-Sabah, whose country reportedly donated $10 million to the country, also lauded the recovery efforts being undertaken by the government and noted that Manila is “very safe and welcoming to visitors.”

The Kuwaiti top sports official, here for the OCA general assembly and Asian Games Centennial starting today at Sofitel Philippine Plaza and Philippine International Convention Center, said the OCA was very concerned over the sports facilities destroyed by the typhoon and storm surge.

“We, the whole sports society not only in Asia but also internationally, is looking to help and be there for the recovery from the crisis especially in the part of sports facilities and athletes,” Al-Sabah said.

He also appreciated the country’s gesture of holding the Asiad Centennial here despite the devastation, even though the expenses were all shouldered by the OCA.

Al-Sabah was accompanied by the President’s uncle, Philippine Olympic Committee president Jose “Peping” Cojuangco Jr., who said that the meeting didn’t revolve entirely about sports.

Al-Sabah, former chair of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries, didn’t say if they discussed business but said they delved more into the relations between the Philippines and Kuwait.